Seniors Minister Scott Johnston and Health Minister Audrey Gordon met with Thompson seniors and elders in Winnipeg March 7 to discuss preventive foot care.
Representing Thompson were acting chairperson of the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council Molly Stapleton, chairperson of the ad hoc foot care committee Barb Henderson, members at large Cheryl Turriff and Lydia Penner as well as elder Jack Robinson and seniors council co-ordinator Penny Byer.
The Thompson contingent, which drove to Winnipeg and back, reiterated the need for preventive medical foot care, citing research done in 2022. Penner and Robinson spoke about their experiences. In addition, a video interview with Cliff Duchesne was shown. Cliff supported the advocacy with a letter in 2022. Shortly before his passing, he agreed to be videotaped to talk about his experiences since the letter was written.
The meeting was arranged by Thompson MLA Eric Redhead and made possible through donations from the Troy Anand Fund, Marlene Rudolph, Ridgestone Financial, and K.B Insurance. The committee members are grateful for these donations.
Although the ministers made no commitments, Johnston asked several questions and said he would be looking into the matter further.
