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April 30, 2008 Special guests and VIPs abound at Association of Ontario Midwives Conference While midwives are the main featured speakers at workshops and panel discussions, politicians, social activists and other healthcare professionals will share the stage at the Association of Ontario Midwives annual conference, May 5 to 8 in Toronto. Ontario midwives are eager to greet Health Minister George Smitherman at the opening ceremonies the evening of May 6. “We’re delighted to have Minister Smitherman at the opening ceremonies,” says Elana Johnson, President of the Association of Ontario Midwives. “This year, he will attend in person to address our members. The Association commends the Liberal government’s commitment to grow midwifery in the province. The recent Liberal investment in midwifery care means an additional 1,200 more women per year will be able to access the maternity care provider of their choice.” MPP Health critics Elizabeth Witmer (PC) and France Gélinas (NDP) will also attend to provide greetings at the opening ceremonies, as will Kerstin Martin, President of the Canadian Association of Midwives. Keynote speaker Maude Barlow will address the conference on May 7. Barlow is the National Chariperson of The Council of Canadians, Canada’s largest citizens’ advocacy organization with members and chapters across Canada. She is the best-selling author of fifteen books, including Profit is Not the Cure: A Citizen’s Guide to Saving Medicare. “Ms. Barlow will both inform and inspire our members,” says conference organizer Diana MacNab. “Her experience with Canada’s health care system and women’s issues makes her a perfect match for speaking to midwives. We’re excited to have her with us this year.” Also speaking at the opening ceremonies is Dr. Beverley O’Brien, RN, DNSc, Alberta midwife. Dr. O’Brien will be presenting on the results of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Maternity Experiences Survey. Preliminary findings indicate very high public satisfaction with midwives across the country. Other conference session participants include Vicki Van Wagner, RM; Kim Campbell, RM; Liz Darling, RM; Dr. Andrew Kotaska; Dr. Lawrence Oppenheimer; Dr. Bosco Paes; Dr. Anne Summers and many others. A full program is available on the Association website at http://www.aom.on.ca/. The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional body representing midwives and the practice of midwifery in Ontario. For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact: Joanna Zuk, Senior Communications Officer |
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