Minutes for SSAGC
January 25th 2024  Minutes

Format: Virtual with ZOOM

 

ATTENDEES:

Bruce Young, Chairman

Ron Reddam, Vice Chairman

John Richmond

Maria Luisa Marti

Denys Bolanos

Laura Stoiscescu

Jim McEwen, Executive Secretary

  

Proceedings:

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1. Approval of Minutes of Nov. 30, 2023: Maria requested that Ottawa LHIN be replaced with LHIN, Eastern Ontario. Moved by Jim, seconded by Bruce.  Corrected Minutes adopted; Jim to amend and Bruce to distribute corrected Minutes of Nov. 30, 2023. Action by Jim and Bruce.

2. Maria attended a recent workshop, entitled, “PAN “, (Patient Advisory Network). They discussed the difficulties of applying to the CIHR (Canadian Institute of Health Research).  Maria’s interest in this workshop was connecting/learning about the possibilities of grant applications for the SSAGC and starting the process of implementing the necessary guidelines". As a side comment if our Group receives grant monies, we need a Treasurer and bank account. Jim

3. Ron is receiving a community award for his advocacy work related to stroke treatment/recovery and has been nominated for the Order of Canada.

4. SSAGC POSITIONS:

   • ​​​Bruce is President, responsible for leading our Group and providing help where possible to fellow stroke survivors across Canada to ensure their needs are being met to the best potential

   • Ron is Vice President responsible for assisting Bruce and searching out relevant information for our website and Newsletter.

   • Maria is responsible for promoting our Group, assisting with website management and applying for Grants when appropriate. Maria to assist Bruce with the creation of an individual Drive for SSAGC. Action by Maria and Bruce.

   • John is our spokesperson.

   • Jim is Executive Secretary responsible for taking and preparing Minutes of Meetings.

5. ​​Laura reported that she is a 5-year stroke survivor and has published a book about her recovery experience entitled, “Brain Recovery, a Journey of Hope”. The book is available from Amazon, Indigo and other platforms.

6. Denys is a 4-year stroke survivor from B.C. and would like to assist where possible. She owns and operates a Mexican restaurant called Mi Casa Mexicana on Burrard and 2nd in Vancouver.

7. Jim discussed the letter template he prepared for our members to submit to their local MPs and MPPs. Members are free to add more personal information in the letter to our federal/provincial politicians. Ron to provide links on how to locate one’s MP and MPP. Bruce to send out a reminder message to membership about submitting letters to our federal/provincial politicians with links provided by Ron. Action by Ron and Bruce. 
   The template letter is included at the end of these Minutes. 

8. SSAGC Goals for 2024:

   • ​Expand Membership in all Provinces and Territories.

   • Expand affiliated Memberships.

   • Handing out our business cards at related events to increase awareness about SSAGC.

   • Create more stability in the management of our website with the help of assigned volunteers.

9. ​Bruce is planning to meet with his local MP (federal cabinet Minister) to discuss implementation of Bill 22, Canada Disability Benefit Program. Action by Bruce.

10. All draft messaging is to be sent to Bruce first for vetting. Action by All.

11. Our Newsletter is to include wellness Items. Action by Bruce and Ron.

12. John to prepare a written summary of other Agencies supporting stroke recovery for posting on our website. Action by John

13. Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, 4:00 PM, Eastern Time. John to send out ZOOM link. Action by John.

14. Adjournment at 5:30 PM, ET