Kenora, ON
Minister of State for Democratic Reform, Steven Fletcher was in Kenora Sunday morning where he and local MP Greg Rickford hosted a Healthcare Discussion at the Bestwestern Lakeside Inn.
 
Several organizations were represented including staff and board members from the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, the Hospital Foundation, the Northwestern Health Unit, the Sunset Country Family Health Team, Kenora Chief’s Advisory, Dalles First Nation, Kenora Mayor Len Compton and several City Councillors.
 
“This was an excellent opportunity for Kenora stakeholders to share their concerns and challenges with a Cabinet Minister. The turnout for this meeting shows the importance of this issue to the community,” said Rickford.
 
Steven Fletcher is the MP for Charleswood – St. James – Assiniboia. Fletcher was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and re-elected in 2006 and 2008. He served as the Official Opposition Critic for Health and was a member of the Standing Committee on Health. In 2006 Fletcher was selected to be the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health; and this past fall, he was appointed as Minister of State for Democratic Reform.
 
Greg Rickford has worked as a nurse and healthcare consultant, so the issues are close to his heart and he has firsthand knowledge of some of the challenges Northwestern Ontario faces. His background in healthcare includes working directly with First Nations people living in remote communities.
 
Fletcher has also spent time in the riding of Kenora; prior to his accident he was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed exploring the beautiful lakes and rivers of Northwestern Ontario or “Mantario” as he fondly refers to it. He shared memories of summers spent at Camp Stephens on Lake of the Woods. As a neighbouring MP and now Cabinet Minister, Fletcher wants to be sure our local concerns are carried forward to Ottawa. “Through Greg, I will work to help you in any way I can,” summarized Fletcher as the discussion drew to a close.
 
Rickford hopes this consultation and meeting of stakeholders will lead to additional discussions as the community moves forward in efforts to provide first class healthcare to constituents and visitors to our region.