SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre

Honourable senators, today I am pleased to present Chapter 81 of “Telling Our Story.”

September 20 marked the one-hundredth anniversary of the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre, located in the historic and picturesque town of Twillingate in Newfoundland and Labrador. On September 21, the people of the area gathered to celebrate this remarkable milestone — 100 years of providing excellence in rural health care services.

The word “memorial” in the health care centre’s name stands as a poignant reminder of the rich history and enduring legacy of service that has shaped this institution. It honours not only the health care professionals who dedicated their lives to this community, but also those from the area who so bravely laid down their lives to ensure that their fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians could enjoy the privileges and quality of life they have today. All their sacrifices and contributions are woven into the very fabric of the institution and have become a lasting testament to their shared vision for a healthier and stronger community.

Following a 3-year construction period, the doors of what was then called the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Hospital opened on September 20, 1924. In that year the approximate cost of this 60‑bed facility was $103,000. Even after receiving extensive fire damage in 1943, the hospital continued to serve area residents until it was replaced with the current health care centre in 1974.

Last week’s gathering was not just a celebration of a building, but a celebration of a spirit of collaboration, compassion and community that numerous health care professionals and critical staff have delivered to this rural part of our province for a century. It was a time to show appreciation to all the staff and physicians, past and present, for their tireless dedication and devotion in maintaining the delivery of health care services for the people of Notre Dame Bay throughout the years.

Friends, one of these health care professionals who played an integral role in the success of the health care centre throughout the years is Dr. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, who, as you are all aware, is now our colleague here in the Senate of Canada. Knowing how humble my dear friend is, I feel that I may be testing our friendship by doing this today, but I am a strong believer in giving credit where credit is due.

Senator Ravalia was born and raised in the southern African country of Rhodesia, now called Zimbabwe. He immigrated to Canada in 1984 and practised family medicine in Twillingate until his appointment to the Senate in June 2018. Dr. Rav is a highly respected physician, a medical educator and has strong community ties to his adopted town of Twillingate. We are very fortunate that he chose Newfoundland and Labrador as his new home.

At the ceremony last week, the people of the Twillingate area wanted to show their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Rav in recognition of his years of dedicated medical contribution to the community. Mayor Justin Blackler announced that a street in the town called Hospital Lane would be renamed Ravalia Way.

What a wonderful and thoughtful way to show their gratitude to Dr. Rav, and may I add that it is very well deserved. I am confident that this new bright green street sign will be added to the tremendous tourism attractions in the beautiful town of Twillingate.

Dr. Rav, I know that your lovely wife, Dianne, is so proud of you today!

Congratulations.