Message from the President – June 2024
Wow, what a year it has been! As I reflect on this past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for what we have accomplished together. It has been an amazing journey marked by significant achievements, collaborations and an unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health.
First off, let’s talk about the big wins: Pharmacare and Bill C-64! We were thrilled to present alongside the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Toronto where the government confirmed its commitment to pharmacare by announcing that universal contraception coverage would be included in the upcoming federal budget. I am happy to share that Bill C-64 passed on Third Reading Stage in the House of Commons on June 3rd and is now on to the Senate for study! This a HUGE advance for reproductive health and gender equity in Canada. Our partnerships and persistent advocacy made a real impact. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences and activities were another highlight. These events were valuable opportunities for us to learn, grow and connect. The dedication of our speakers, organizers and participants continued to enrich our practice and reinforced our commitment to excellence in women’s health.
The SOGC has also strengthened our partnerships with government bodies, playing a crucial role in shaping policies that impact our field. Our successful grant applications have secured essential funding that allows us to drive our research and public health initiatives forward.
Collaboration has been at the heart of our success. We’ve strengthened our ties with sister organizations both within Canada and internationally. These partnerships have allowed us to share knowledge and resources, enhancing the care we provide and broadening our impact.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible work of the SOGC office staff. Their dedication and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts have been the backbone of our organization. I am also deeply grateful for the commitment of our members who have served on various committees, contributing their time, expertise and passion to our cause.
We are at a critical juncture for gender and reproductive rights globally and it is important to acknowledge the current global landscape. We’re deeply concerned that reproductive rights are being rolled back in many parts of the world. This is a reminder that we must not be complacent. As a society and a profession, we must continue advocating for and protecting the rights and health of women.
The year was not without its challenges but together, we navigated them with resilience and determination. As I hand over the reins to our President-Elect, Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, I look back on this year with a deep sense of accomplishment. Lynn is an outstanding leader and will continue to drive our mission forward with vision and dedication. I wish her all the best for the upcoming year and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the SOGC. Thank you for allowing me the honour of serving as your President. It has been a privilege to lead such an incredible group of professionals and work with the SOGC team. Hope to see many of you at the ACSC in Edmonton in June!
Warmest regards,
Amanda
SOGC President