Cheers &Jeers
JEERS to UPEI and the Prince Edward Island government over confusion related to a decision to end Dalhousie University’s family medicine program. On Feb. 28, an internal letter from the Dal program was tabled in the P.E.I. legislature. That letter, which had been circulated to faculty, said UPEI plans to phase out Dalhousie’s department of family medicine residency program by 2029. It’s unclear what it means for Islanders who would potentially plan to study medicine at Dalhousie. The goal of UPEI’S new medical school is to increase the number of doctors practising in P.E.I. Phasing out one school’s residency program to make room for another seems to run counter to that goal. If capacity is that much of an issue, the latest news leaves more questions about the province’s ability to train medical students in P.E.I.
JEERS to John Robertson, who is drawing out and doubling down on offensive remarks he posted on a sign during the weekend of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Treaty Day. The Murray Harbour councillor has called for a judicial review alleging that his rights to free speech as a private citizen were infringed upon. The fact that he took the time to mount the sign calling deaths at residential schools a “hoax” on a weekend meant to work towards reconciling with First Nations people is abhorrent enough. That he refused to apologize, did not respond to council’s directions or resign from council but rather taken this latest, legal step, does not demonstrate the “highest standards of ethical behaviour” the Municipal Government Act directs members of council to have.
CHEERS to Harvey Ngo, who is using his expertise to help Prince Edward Island residents get interior painting done around their homes. Ngo and his wife moved to P.E.I. from Vietnam more than a year ago when Ngo enrolled in UPEI’S masters of business program to benefit his architecture and design business. The couple was so warmly welcomed in their new home, Ngo decided to give back by offering his services to seniors or people with mobility or financial issues that would prevent them from having freshly painted walls. Ngo says volunteering is something he has always done wherever he lived, including Vietnam, Australia and now P.E.I.
CHEERS to Rachael Arsenault and the Westisle Wolverines for winning the PEISAA girls team powerlifting championship. Arsenault, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student, was the top lifter in the senior girls competition, deadlifting an impressive 402 pounds and setting a new provincial record in the bench press at 181 pounds. Teammate Anna Arsenault said, “All our hearts were racing and we were excited for her,” and credited the team’s success to the athletes’ camaraderie. “You can see everyone supporting each other, building and pumping each other up so they can make their lifts.”