My interest in Humboldt continues despite my not having lived there for a while. I am a taxpayer of both the RM of Humboldt and the City. I have an interest, too, in St. Mary's Villa (SMV). My father died there in 2007 at age 95. He and I both contributed to building fund campaigns for SMV. I have attempted to recognize my obligation to Humboldt for the benefi t I received as a student and growing up in Humboldt by land donation for the Kloppenburg Wildlife Refuge and an annual scholarship at Humboldt Collegiate.
I am quite frankly alarmed at the events described in the media and on the internet about SMV. When I became aware of the situation affecting persons living in the Assisted Living Wing of SMV I was provoked to write this. My concern is the arbitrary and harsh demands that persons living at SMV relocate within days of notice and without a fair process or assurance of equivalent accommodation (and one has to question the frankness of health-care offi cials regarding their decisions too).
Everyone in the province has an obligation to respect the contributions of the elderly to the development of Saskatchewan and communities such as Humboldt.
I am sure that the Health Region senses that it bears that obligation as well. I am so bold as to say that the recent handling of the relocation of individuals receiving accommodation and care at SMV does not show such respect for them and sensitivity to the traumatic effects of relocating these elderly persons. These older folk deserve a sensitive and balanced process. I can't characterize what has happened as such.
My point is that long-term care and accommodation of the elderly is a mark of a civilized culture and society. If any segment of society deserves a fair process it is surely the elderly to whom we owe much. This has to be brought home to the Health Region Board, its management and Government. The management of the Health Region has got to be told that this situation should not be repeated, and the pain and trauma affecting those relocated has to be addressed with sensitivity and care.
