Lack of funds blocks Nurse practitioner

by Pam Rohn

ASSIGINACK - Manitowaning is in danger of being left without front-line health care, despite the fact that a nurse practitioner is currently available to the community. A lack of funding from the ministry of health and long-term care is preventing Assiginack Township from hiring her.

Reeve Leslie Fields said at the August 11 meeting of council that a recently graduated nurse practitioner, Joanne Mellan, a resident of Manitowaning, wishes to practice in her community. Unfortunately, the township does not have the funding for the costs in employing a nurse practitioner from the ministry at this time.

Ironically, the township does have ministry funding for healthcare, but it is for a doctor, and the township is having trouble securing one. The township cannot transfer that money to fund a nurse practitioner. Manitowaning will lose both Drs. Regenstreif and Bedard within the next few months. The worst-case scenario would find Manitowaning without primary health care (either a doctor or a nurse practitioner) as of October 1.

Reeve Fields said council and the residents of Manitowaning will seriously mourn the loss of Drs. Regenstreif and Bedard. The township is currently searching for a new doctor, but as of yet has been unsuccessful. A doctor would be more inclined to come and work in a clinic that had a nurse practitioner. Not only would it help in delivering quality care, by sharing their expertise and the workload, it would also aid in eradicating the sense of isolation some doctors feel upon moving to live and work in a small, rural community.

Manitowaning could be left without a doctor or a nurse practitioner, which would force the medical clinic to close. There are approximately 1,100 patients who use the services provided at the clinic. This clinic is key to the community, with so many residents in need of wellness care for their complex and chronic health care needs. Without a doctor or nurse practitioner, patients would need to seek care elsewhere, both on and off the Island, and there would be an influx into the Emergency Rooms.

The closing of the clinic would also have serious repercussions for the economic future of Manitowaning. People retiring or hoping to begin a family would choose to move to communities where they were guaranteed quality health care, close to home. People currently using the services of this clinic also bring money to Manitowaning. They are known to buy their groceries, have their vehicles repaired or filled with gas and visit the local stores, during their visit to the clinic. Manitowaning would lose this revenue and visits to the area, if the clinic were to close.

"We owe it to our people to keep this clinic open with the best possible people we can find," said Reeve Fields.

The benefits of having a nurse practitioner, even after a doctor has been hired are many. Ms. Mellan has recently completed four years of study in the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program through Laurentian University. She also has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. These courses of study involved her classes in Sudbury as well as distance learning on the Internet. Her practical training had her working at various sites around the island, including, Mindemoya, Little Current, Wikwemikong and Manitowaning. Ms. Mellan has also attended the Ontario Breast Screening and Diabetic Education Clinics for further education and training. 

Ms. Mellan stresses, "Manitowaning needs both an M.D. and a nurse practitioner in order to fully and effectively service the people of Manitowaning." 

A nurse practitioner focuses on pro-active and preventative medicine, educating the public on health awareness and prevention of disease. Ms. Mellan is a firm believer in the power of education in promoting healthy lifestyles and health awareness and has a specific focus on women's issues. 

Having a nurse practitioner would also help a great deal in attracting a doctor to the island.

Ms. Mellan stated that "the two professionals would work as partners in servicing the needs of the community, while learning from each other. Each position carries its own benefits."

Ms. Mellan, a nurse practitioner with a history of 16 years on the island and ten years at the clinic, who has developed a high comfort level with her patients and has a home, family and friends in the community, would be a definite asset in attracting a doctor to the island. She knows the practice and the people who use the clinic. Ms. Mellan has advanced skills in assessment, diagnostic abilities, monitoring acute and chronic health problems, as well as the qualifications to order diagnostic tests and write prescriptions.

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario states that "nurse practitioners are key members of any health-care team, diagnosing, treating and prescribing, educating, and when necessary, referring patients to other health-care professionals such as social workers, nutritionists and others. Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses with additional education who work with individuals, families, groups and communities."

At this point, Manitoulin Island is employing four nurse practitioners. Manitowaning is deemed by the Ministry of Health as an area that is under serviced in the area of health care. This is a community that would benefit greatly from funding, allowing it to employ a qualified nurse practitioner.

Ms. Mellan has devoted four years to earning her qualifications as a nurse practitioner. Without funding for a future position for her in Manitowaning, she would be forced to look elsewhere.

The ministry recognizes the value of these professionals and is willing to provide the funding necessary to employ them. Since 1998, 402 nurse practitioner positions have been funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Community Health Centres, the Under-serviced Area Program, long-term care facilities, Aboriginal Health Access Centres, Primary Care Networks and Public Health Units. The ministry is committed to creating an additional 348 nurse practitioner positions over the next three years.

Assiginack council is asking Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MPP Mike Brown to help lobby the ministry of health and long-term care to relieve the situation by providing funding. Without the funding from the ministry, the cost of a nurse practitioner could become a community obligation.

Noted Councilor Brenda Reid, "We are a community that's not afraid to take care of ourselves."

Reeve Fields said she would like for the community to get behind the township's efforts, and people can do so by contacting Mr. Brown at his email addresses, mbrown.mpp@liberal.ola.org or mbrown.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org, by phone, (416)325-3601 or (705)461-9710, or by writing to him at Ministry of Natural Resources, 6522-99 Wellesley St. W., 6th Floor, Whitney Block, Toronto, ON, M7A-1W3 or Constituency Office, 5 Elizabeth Walk, Elliot Lake, ON, P5A-1Z2.

New Lions chapter springs forth on the Island

by Tom Sasvari

PROVIDENCE BAY - The Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club has held its official charter night, signifying the start of the newest Lions club on Manitoulin Island.

"What a privilege, and a honour to be here tonight on the charter night for the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club. The 41 members of the new club will make a great difference in the local community and the world," stated Bruce E. Murray, past international director of the Lions, and guest speaker for the charter night, held last Saturday evening in the Providence Bay arena.

"I want to welcome everyone here tonight on the occasion of the Charter Night of the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club," said Frank Reynolds, president of the Sheguiandah Lions Club, who was Master of Ceremonies for the Charter Night celebrations. "Tonight we celebrate your entry into Lionism."

Mr. Reynolds told the approximately 230 people in attendance, representing among them  clubs in the Lions District A-5 Zone 14 West, that in the previous year membership  went from a decrease of 85 Lions club members to a net gain of 42 members over the past year, "and your new club has helped to make this possible."

Manitoulin Island now has six Lions Clubs, with a total of 183 members, said Mr. Reynolds, in commending the Central Manitoulin Lions Club for being the host sponsor club for the new Providence Bay-Spring Bay Lions Club. "The Lions are all part of a team, and together everyone achieves more. This is what Lionism is all about, working together. Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to scale Mount Everest. He had a team of 73 people, and when his picture was taken when he accomplished his goal, he said the only way he had succeeded was by having a great team around him. To the new club members I wish your stay as Lions to be valuable and fun."

Barry Brett,  Lions past district governor, along with help from Bruce Mercer, president of the Central Manitoulin Lions Club performed the Candlelight Ceremony, which included all the members of the new Lions club. "I can't tell you how proud and honoured I am to be here tonight to help you celebrate this occasion. It is fitting that Past International Director Bruce Murray is the guest speaker for the evening," said Mr. Brett.

"The Charter night is a very historic event," said Mr. Brett. "Lions become assets in their community and you are joining more than 1.3 million members throughout the world." He pointed out Lions International was started by Melvin Jones, in 1917, noting the Central Manitoulin Lions Club was formed in 1976. "From tonight's charter night I wish you growth as a Lions club, and that you continue to grow and flourish in the future."

"The principle objective of Lions is to serve the community, those who are less fortunate, giving of your time, efforts, and care for those less fortunate. 'We Serve' is our motto," continued Mr. Brett.

As part of the Candlelight Ceremony, Mr. Brett named all the members of the new club, including its Charter Board of directors.

Each of the charter members received a Lions membership certificate, presented by Lion Gerry Albert, P.C.C. with Lion President Richard Burtt receiving the presentation of the Club banner, from Mr. Mercer.

Among the many awards presented during the evening was made by Brett and Bruce Murray. "It is an honour to present extension awards to two members that did the most in starting up this new club. The two that have done that, giving up a lot of time and energy in starting the club was Grant Oakes and Jim Murphy."

"It is such a privilege and a pleasure to be here tonight with all of you," said Mr. Murray. He pointed out the initial Lions Club was started in 1917 by Melvin Jones, in the US, while the first Lions club in Canada was initiated in Windsor, Ontario in 1920, "to make Lions truly an international club."

The Lions Foundation Canada formed its Sight Canada Centre in Oakville in 1983. "And,  now  all of you  are part of the new Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club. The Lions are an organization that truly has made a difference in the lives of many people in the world," continued Mr. Murray.

All those in attendance were captivated in hearing of Mr. Murray's stories of what the Lions club has meant in his, and other people's lives, through his use of several hilarious jokes, and some heart touching stories.

"We're in the people business," said Mr. Murray, "and I need to tell you over the years I've met many, many marvelous people."

He explained one time not too long after he joined the Lions club, he received a call from a man asking if he would be willing to speak at a Variety Village function. One of the ladies in attendance told him that she had heard his 'rabbit story' story. "Anyway, I told the funny 'rabbit' story and gave the balance of my speech. There was a little boy and a little girl in the front row, and when I was done they were both applauding. When I walked up to the little girl afterward she said she was five-years-old, and liked my rabbit story. She said, 'I knew I would like you right away because you have a lapel pin with an 'L'(Lions lapel pin) on it....which stands for love. I really, really believe through Lionism you meet so many great people, who always remember the good things the Lions do."

Mr. Murray presented a special award to Past District Governor Barry Brett. "Of all the districts Lions Club International District Governors are always challenged to get new clubs and new members for each area. Last year Barry Brett, in District A-5, did more than any other Lions district area in Canada and a good portion of the US, in seeing more new clubs and members join the Lions family."

Mr. Murray presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Brett, on behalf of Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, Lions international president. The inscription on the certificate reads, "Certificate of Appreciation to Barry Brett, in recognition of innovative achievements in Lions Leadership and Service."

"This is an absolutely great night, and the ceremony was absolutely wonderful," continued Mr. Murray. "Becoming a member of Lions is one of the most marvelous things that has happened to me. We do have a lot of fun in Lionism, and help so much in the community."

Mr. Murray also presented special awards to Frank and Connie-Lee Reynolds, for their help in acting as master of ceremonies for the evening, ticket sales and other efforts in helping to put on the Charter Night.

Gerry Albert told those in attendance, "it is a pleasure to be here tonight to take part in this celebration. Our District Governor had written a nice letter to all Lions Clubs asking for donations to the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Clubs. With the money raised and gifts, close to $3,000 was raised," he said, naming off the many clubs who had made donations to the new club.

Mr. Reynolds made a presentation of a banner, provided by Pepsi, with the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions Club name on a banner, to Jim Murphy, while Edward Deeth, president of the Lions Club of Sudbury, presented the new club with a gong and gavel. This was followed by a presentation by Bruce Mercer, president of the Central Manitoulin Lions Club, of a new club banner to their Charter President Richard Burtt.

"It is a privilege and an honour to be here tonight," said Richard Stephens, reeve of Central Manitoulin Township. He explained he had been a charter member of the Central Manitoulin Lions Club years ago. "The Lions provide excellent service to the people and the township and we look forward to working with this new Lions club. On behalf of the township I would like to congratulate the new club."

Lions District Governor Robert Hobbs said, "It is a real privilege for me to be here tonight. As a Lions group for the district we are nothing without our cabinet, especially the secretary and treasurer. They are absolutely great in helping me and keeping everything going right. I'm glad to see the Providence Bay and Spring Bay Lions club becoming part of the A-5 district."

"I look forward to all the events we will be having in A-5 district," continued Mr. Hobbs. "There is nothing too small or too big that the Lions won't do something to help in any way we can. Congratulations to your new Lions club and best wishes for you in the years ahead."

The Charter board of directors, as well as the full complement of 41 members includes: President Richard Burtt, First Vice-President Caroline Cranston, Second Vice-President Bev Murphy, Third Vice-President Wanda Bridge, Secretary  Crystal McFarlane, Treasurer Jamie McDermid, Membership Chair William Marsh, Two Year Directors Merdick McFarlane and Mervin Bowerman, One Year Directors Bonnie McFarlane, Michelle Deeg, Lion Tamers J. Murray McDermid and Sherry Sagle, and Tail Twisters Jim Murphy and Ronald Gilchrist. Other members of the club include Julie Allen, Sarah Bowerman, Don Bridge, Chuck Briggs, Sylvia Briggs, Carmiletta Burtt, Raechell Cranston, Renee Cranston, Robert Cranston, Sally Cranston, Thomas J. Cranston, Ernie Jones, Diane Kay, Benjamin Lentir, Christine Marsh, Jim McCormick, Audrey McDermid, Douglas McDermid, James McDermid, Bonnie McFarlane, Sandra Morgan, Rick Niven, H. Grant Oakes, Delroy Prescott, Sharon Robson, Elwood Sagle, Matt Young, Vivian Young.

A fabulous dinner was served during the Charter Night Program, organized and put on by the Providence Bay-Spring Bay Lions, with volunteers, and the Young Peacemakers Club helping to clean the tables,

A dance was held after the ceremony, with music by Ron Gilchrist 'The Singing Cowboy,' and Country Pride.

Economic Development high on Chief Robert Corbiere's agenda

by Neil Zacharjewicz

WIKWEMIKONG - After the results of the August 21st general election in Wikwemikong, the supporters of new chief Robert Corbiere gathered in his mother's home to celebrate, but the celebration was short-lived when a thunderstorm rolled in.

Then, on the morning of Friday, August 27th, as Chief Corbiere prepared for his first day in office as chief of Wikwemikong, the thunder rolled once more, and the rain began to fall. Chief Corbiere said he saw the thunder storm as symbolic: it provided the rain that cleansed the community before the new chief and council took office.

"The people of Wikwemikong have given me the mandate to be their leader for the next term," Chief Corbiere said. "The final results (of the election) were what the people of Wikwemikong wanted."

Chief Corbiere indicated that he shared with the band members of Wikwemikong, in a letter, his credentials for the position, which include 30 years of experience as a band councillor, 10 years of experience as the Wikwemikong band manager, and another 10 years of experience as the executive director of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM).  In addition to his experience, Chief Corbiere received the support of outgoing chief Walter Manitowabi.

"I have learned a lot about Robert over the past number of years. First and foremost, he is a proud and dedicated community member of Wikwemikong who loves his community and all of our people. He is always very vocal at regional, provincial and national gatherings and always promoting our community. He always works hard and always lobbies and negotiates for additional programming for you, the community members," Mr. Manitowabi stated in a letter to the band members. "Robert Corbiere is a team player and understands the complexity of working within a large organization such as the Wikwemikong Band Administration. He understands that the chief's role is only one of many in this large hierarchy and that we all need to promote and support the work and dedication of our over 300 staff. A chief can not run this organization by herself or himself, and Robert understands that."

Mr. Manitowabi also noted that Chief Corbiere was supportive of the initiatives that he undertook during his term as chief of Wikwemikong, in particular the major economic initiatives and joint ventures. Chief Corbiere indicated continuing with the projects began by Mr. Manitowabi was a priority for him, including such projects as the construction of a new police station, as well as the hotel and Killarney ferry proposals currently in the works with the Wikwemikong Development Corporation (WDC). He also indicated that it is his plan to continue to maintain the same level of transparency and responsibility in all areas of operation exhibited during Mr. Manitowabi's term as chief.

But Chief Corbiere indicated he also has some new projects to move forward.

"I will build a Bingo Palace, called for by a number of band members, which I will construct for them and make a reality. It has been in the works now for quite some time," Chief Corbiere noted. He said the drawings and financing are now in order for the project, and construction will begin next spring.

One project Chief Corbiere will see under way within the next three months is a new cell tower for Wikwemikong, which will provide service to all band members. After doing this, he said, band members will be able to communicate with the leadership on a daily basis.

Chief Corbiere indicated the platform that got him elected is also important, and it included plans to establish three wind turbines which would generate sufficient power for all of Wikwemikong. Chief Corbiere indicated these turbines would lower the monthly hydro costs of band members by 50 percent initially, and the money they saved would increase each members monthly cash flow for other needs.

After consulting with the community, Chief Corbiere vowed to settle the Island Claim with the federal and provincial governments. Settlement of this agreement would mean that the Wikwemikong islands would be registered as part of the reserve, and the Wikwemikong band members would receive additional land and financial compensation for "the release of Wikwemikong's unextinguished interest on 23,000 island, which also includes Manitoulin Island."

Finally, Chief Corbiere vowed to work toward having all band employees eligible for full Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits retroactive to 1968, something they do not currently enjoy due to the negligence of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, he suggested.

One project Chief Corbiere will not be pursuing is the dolomite quarry in Wikwemikong, a project he was once in favour of. However, he stated that the project is now off of his agenda.

"I will not pursue it in the next two years," he stated. "That is a guarantee."

However, he did say that he believes within the next three or four generations, the children of Wikwemikong would be developing a dolomite quarry on the reserve.

"By that time, I'll be in the Happy Hunting Grounds," he remarked.

by Neil Zacharjewicz

M'CHIGEENG - A dead crow found on the M'Chigeeng First Nation has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

According to Roger Beaudin, manager of the M'Chigeeng Health Centre, a band member had discovered the dead bird near the ballfield in M'Chigeeng on Thursday, August 12th, and reported the incident to the M'Chigeeng Health Centre. The bird was picked up for testing by Bill Rideout, the Environmental Health Officer for the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada.

Mr. Beaudin indicated the health centre did not receive confirmation of the case of West Nile Virus until Thursday, August 26th, when all of the testing on the bird was completed. He noted the Sudbury and District Health Unit (SDHU) has been contacted and made aware of the situation.

"We just want to get the message out there," Mr. Beaudin said.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that normally causes mild illness in humans. Severe manifestations, including meningitis and encephalitis, are also possible, particularly in the elderly and among those with weakened immune systems. The M'Chigeeng Health Centre suggested people need to be vigilant to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The health centre recommends using mosquito repellents that include DEET, covering exposed skin and minimizing exposure from dusk to dawn to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

While this is the first case of West Nile Virus reported on Manitoulin, other cases have been reported in the Sudbury area. On August 27th, the SDHU reported a horse in the Wahnapitae area had been diagnosed with the virus, and another bird in the City of Greater Sudbury had tested positive as well.

"Although this is the first-ever confirmed case in a horse in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, it is not surprising because we know that West Nile Virus is present in Northeastern Ontario," said Ed Gardner, manager of environmental health for the SDHU. It was further noted that there is no evidence to suggest a horse could pass the virus to humans. Furthermore, the SDHU also noted it will enhance its mosquito trapping in those areas where the virus has been found. To date, the SDHU reports no positive mosquito pools found in the health unit's service area, and no positive human cases.

The SDHU noted that there are conditionally approved West Nile Virus vaccines for horses, which are distributed through licensed veterinarians. The health unit urges anyone who finds a dead crow, raven or blue jay to please contact the Mindemoya branch of the SDHU at 377-4774.