Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard’s statement to the Senate underscores the importance of supporting Canadians with ostomies and the vital role of the Ostomy Canada Society.
OTTAWA – In a heartfelt address to her fellow senators on October 3, 2024, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard shone a light on an often-overlooked aspect of Canadian healthcare—the lives of those living with ostomies. Speaking passionately about the Ostomy Canada Society, she shared that in 2024, around 150,000 Canadians — including 3,000 from her home province of Nova Scotia—are living with an ostomy, underscoring the need for greater awareness and support..
“Did you know that many people may not recognize someone living with an ostomy due to the stigma surrounding it?” Senator Bernard remarked. “Despite this taboo, ostomies are essential life-saving interventions, and those who live with them deserve our support and understanding.”
The senator emphasized the critical role of the Ostomy Canada Society, a dedicated not-for-profit organization that provides vital resources and support for ostomates. With a mission to uplift and empower those affected, the society connects individuals through support groups, fostering community and resilience.
Reflecting on personal experience, Senator Bernard shared a touching story about her husband, George, who has lived with an ostomy for 17 years. She expressed gratitude for the trained visitors from Ostomy Halifax who guided them through the challenges of acceptance and adaptation. “George has brought me joy for 49 years, and his journey illustrates the strength and resilience of ostomates,” she said.
The senator also highlighted World Ostomy Day, which was celebrated on October 5, and the annual awareness campaign “Step Up for Ostomy.” This year, she proudly vowed to break the silence and stigma surrounding ostomies and thanked all those who bravely confront the challenges of living life to the fullest.
Senator Bernard concluded her statement by calling on her colleagues to join her in expressing appreciation for the Ostomy Canada Society’s unwavering support for ostomates across the nation.
Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard is not only a dynamic advocate for social change but also a trailblazer in her field, holding the distinction of being the first African Nova Scotian full professor at Dalhousie University. Her work has profoundly impacted the political landscape in Nova Scotia, promoting diversity and inclusiveness.
For more information about Senator Thomas Bernard’s work, please visit https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/bernard-wanda-thomas/.
Source: Senate of Canada, 3 October 2024, Senate of Canada website, Parliament of Canada, accessed 11 November 2024, <https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/bernard-wanda-thomas/interventions/650329/3#hID>
