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7 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,N ovem ber 12,2020 theifp.ca London-Fanshawe MPP Teresa Armstrong is one of the Ontario legislature's most effective and respect- ed members. She brings a thoughtful and practical approach in- to the house, and her prin- cipled voice recently initi- ated an extraordinary de- bate on the future of long- term care. Armstrong's Bill 13 pro- poses to strengthen long- term care in Ontario by mandating and requiring a minimum of four hours of direct care per resident per day in our nursing homes. After she moved second reading of her bill on Oct. 28, MPPs from all parties rose in succession, each of them expressing support for the idea. The momentum gener- ated by the constructive debate that took place led to a unanimous vote in fa- vour of Bill 13 the next day. The bill has been referred to an all-party Standing Committee of the Legisla- ture for further consider- ation. Staff at our nursing homes are among our health-care heroes, but the provincial government has acknowledged that our long-term-care system is broken. The pandemic has laid bare many of the prob- lems that have been over- looked or ignored for years. There are no accept- able excuses. Our seniors deserved better, and in some instances we have failed them. Let this consensus for change be transformed in- to a catalyst for compas- sion for all our seniors in long-term care. Let us work together, across par- ty lines, and do better for our parents and grandpar- ents. We remember By necessity, the Re- membrance Day services in our communities across Canada were much small- er this year. But whether we were present in solemn observance at a Cenotaph or not, we could still wear a poppy, and we could all pause on November 11 to to reflect and remember. The Royal Canadian Le- gion branches in Welling- ton-Halton Hills ensure we will never ever forget the sacrifices of everyone who served in a Canadian armed forces uniform in defence of our country, our democracy, and our free- doms. We were reminded of their courage and resil- ience, and it inspires in us the resolve to overcome this challenge we face, the crucible of our time. And to honour them, we will. Ted Arnott is the MPP for Wellington--Halton Hills. He can be reached at ted.arnott@pc.ola.org. OPINION A CHAMPION FOR LONG-TERM CARE MPP'S BILL 13 A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR NURSING HOMES, WRITES TED ARNOTT TED ARNOTT Column We have made it into November and the uncer- tainty still remains, Whether it's COVID-19 or the weather, it all seems to change day to day. This week's report is go- ing to be a little different. Instead of telling you what could be happening at the centre, I'm leaving that up to Michelle and Wendy to let you know by email or phone calls, or you can call the centre (519-853-5951) to check on what's happen- ing. I have selected some of our members to talk about. I plan on doing this with each article printed in the future. These three ladies you all know. They have been the backbone of the centre for a number of years and are always there to look after us. Pauline Barlow has been our 50/50 lady for as long as I can remember. When I asked her why, her response was it's the best way to get to know the peo- ple and to make sure that you have talked with ev- eryone. Nine years ago, Pauline was one of the peo- ple instrumental in start- ing our line-dance group, which has grown over the years -- not only at the centre but at the Leather- town Festival, Farmers Market and Acton Town Hall, where they have been asked to perform. Julie Conroy has been the lady that has kept us informed over the years as our PR person. Her main claim to fame is to get the members out and about, whether it's the Gals on the Go trips to St. Jacobs, the race track or a show. Julie and her crew co-ordinate the golf days and lun- cheon. She not only gets us out of town, but out of the country with yearly win- ter trips to the Caribbean or her spring trips to Eu- rope or other parts of Can- ada. Mary Walsma has been a president of the centre and a person of wisdom over the years. But she is best known as the bingo lady, calling for the Friday afternoon group and for the fundraising bingos (which we are hoping to bring back in 2021). Mary is also the co-ordi- nator of the carpet bowling group, who are happy to start up again. She has re- presented our centre at a number of events at the Ontario Senior Games. Mary and Hank have been a big part of our Santa Clause float each year by supplying us with the transportation. Everyone stay safe, it's going to be tough again with the cold weather com- ing. We can't even get out for some warm sunshine. Remember, if you need assistance, contact the centre and we will see what can be done. David McLean is the president of the Hillsview Active Living Centre in Acton. He can be reached at david@mcleanweb.ca. HATS OFF TO THIS INFLUENTIAL TRIO PAULINE, JULIE AND MARY DESERVE SO MUCH GRATITUDE BY OUR CENTRE MEMBERS, WRITES DAVID MCLEAN DAVID MCLEANColumn