Welcome and Gratitude
Welcome to Ostomy Canada’s first edition of the Ostomy Canada Connects Newsletter for 2026! I wish to start off by thanking each and every one of YOU – our donors, sponsors, subscribers, and supporters – for making 2025 a truly remarkable year! Thank you for believing in the work that we do and for supporting the efforts of our entire team that enable us to provide the valuable programs, services, resources, and educational materials that so deeply impact the lives of people living with an ostomy to ensure that they are able to Live Life to the Fullest! Without your continued support, Ostomy Canada would not be able to fulfill our role as a National Network Leader from coast to coast to coast.
Reflecting on Progress and Impact
As I look back and reflect on the year just completed, I am proud of the success achieved that had led to increased community engagement across the country, unyielding support and strengthened relations with national sponsors, industry partners and Ostomy Canada Ambassadors, and commitment to fiscal responsibility that will ensure long-term sustainability of Ostomy Canada for years to come.
Advancing Digital Engagement
Our commitment and focus to increased digital, social media, and online interaction and engagement has expanded Ostomy Canada’s reach to provide increased support and services to more people living with an ostomy than we had imagined. Ostomy Canada’s 10-year Impact Goal is that by 2035 ‘Every person in Canada who lives with an ostomy will be aware of and able to access support and resources to help them live life with an ostomy to the fullest’. We believe we have taken the first steps along this path to achieving this ambitious goal, and to support our continued efforts, Ostomy Canada is in the process of hiring a National Marketing & Communications Coordinator to assist with these continued efforts. More information on this role may be found here.
Navigating a Difficult Decision: Ostomy Canada Magazine
Along with the excitement of opportunities that lie ahead for 2026, some very tough decisions have been made for the upcoming year. Ostomy Canada made the decision in 2025 to produce the Ostomy Canada Magazine in digital format only. This decision was in part due to the Canada Post strike that occurred during the Winter issue production, as well as acknowledging that the financial costs associated with the printing of a physical copy issue was no longer financially sustainable.
For 2026, Ostomy Canada will not be producing the Ostomy Canada Magazine – and we understand that this will be met with disappointment for many people.
We would also like to thank Lisa Gausman and the entire editorial team over the years for their outstanding dedication to the magazine’s production.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
What now you may ask? Ostomy Canada’s focus will concentrate on delivering an enhanced Connects e-newsletter issue 8–10 times annually that will continue to include stories, articles, advertisements, and current news updates – similar in many ways to the Ostomy Canada magazine, just in a reimagined, financially prudent, increased digital format. We certainly understand that change can be hard – quite hard in fact, yet change is the only constant in the life we live day in day out. ‘Every journey begins with a single step’.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, I am excited for the opportunities and initiatives that lay on the horizon for 2026 and can’t wait to share updates and progress with you throughout the year ahead. There is no better time to stay engaged with, and support, the work of Ostomy Canada than the present moment – you’ll be glad you did!
Warm Regards,
Bryan Ezako
Executive Director
Ostomy Canada Society
