Interlake-Eastern RHA’s virtual Annual General Meeting on October 10, 2023 saw just over 130 staff and community members login virtually for a review of activities and upcoming priorities.

Vice chair of the board of directors, Cyndi Typliski, was the master of ceremonies. The meeting opened with a prayer from Gwen Traverse, director of health, Pinaymootang First Nation and welcome from Robert Maytwayashing, Indigenous human resources development officer.

Board chair Michele Polinuk talked about adapting after the pandemic and she outlined the board’s governance structure and the progress towards achieving the goals of the RHA’s 2021-2028 strategic plan. She also announced the four winners of the Chair’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service.

“Staff members submitted 21 outstanding nominations this year and every one of these people reflects the culture we’d like to build in this organization,” Polinuk said.

To the winners Polinuk said, “How you choose to show up to work, what you bring to your workplace, and how you make the people around you feel good is inspiring to us all!”She recognized the following staff members:

Clinical team manager Clayton Fisher at Lac du Bonnet’s personal care home is supportive and caring towards residents and staff, as well as being professional and knowledgeable.

Val Kozyra, administrative assistant at Rosewood Lodge personal care home in Stonewall, embodies the region’s mission and values in her interactions with the public and colleagues. Her calm, positive and helpful demeanor is appreciated.

Licensed practical nurse Allison Maki works at Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home. A proponent of learning what is important to residents and engaging them through their interests, Allison started out as a health-care aide and enrolled in the licensed practical nursing program to come back to work as a nurse. 

Glenn Shymko, regional manager of facilities management and capital planning, goes out of his way to make things happen, even with short notice. He is reliable and capable in his behind-the-scenes work.

Chief executive officer, Marion Ellis, was joined by the RHA’s senior leadership team that included Paul Barnard, Tanya Cheetham, Kate Hodgson, Dr. Charles Penner, Katherine Podaima and Julene Sawatzky, to give an overview of the region’s activities this past year and touch on the upcoming priorities.

Other speakers included Dr. Tim Hilderman, medical officer of health for Interlake-Eastern RHA. Presenting the finance report were Murray Werbeniuk, chair of the finance committee of the board, and Lorianne Kowaliszyn, IERHA’s regional lead of corporate services and chief financial officer.

Receiving the CEO Award for Community Leadership was Suzanne Nicolas, dean of the school of nursing at Assiniboine Community College. The award recognized Nicolas’ commitment to providing locally accessible education opportunities within the region.

A recording of IERHA’s AGM and the IERHA 2022-2023 Annual Report can be accessed at www.ierha.ca under “About us” and “Annual General Meeting”.

Photo Cutline:  Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board of directors hosted the 2023 Annual General Meeting on October 10,2023.