Dr. Nicole Cardinal’s reflections on past year as Council Chair

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Nohtawinan kinanaskomitanan oma kisikaw mina miyo macohowin. Saweminan anoch kisikak. Kisa manito kawi sawemokowaw kakiyow. Hiy hiy! Creator, we thank you for giving us good health. May the Creator bless you and keep you well. Thank you.

As my year as Chair comes to an end, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to represent Council. This role has been an invaluable learning experience on many levels. Organizationally, it has been especially meaningful to participate in the search and selection of our new registrar/CEO and to help welcome Dr. Forestier to her role. Working alongside her has been a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have on our organization.

As I reflect on the past year, I am proud of the work I have been fortunate to be a part of. Reviewing and updating the bylaws was a significant learning experience that gave me a deeper understanding of how CPSA operates. This project was 2 years in the making, and I want to thank the Council members who contributed to this important work.

The work of our committees has remained firmly centred on patient safety. It was encouraging to see the Anti-Racism Anti-Discrimination Committee reinvigorate its efforts and set a clear path forward. The Indigenous Advisory Circle continues to demonstrate deep commitment to reconciliation, and their guidance is vital as CPSA advances its work in this area.

I was also grateful for the opportunity to sit on the Governance and Finance & Audit Committees. This year, we completed our first Council election that focused on competencies for Council members—a significant milestone. There is still work ahead and I am confident that, with committed Council members, we will continue to strengthen this process each year.

Lastly, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Scott McLeod for his hard work and all he contributed to CPSA as CEO and Registrar for 8 years before his recent retirement. His leadership, mentorship, and dedication to health care in Alberta will be remembered. On a personal note, I appreciated the opportunity to work with Scott, and I wish him the very best in his retirement.

I also want to recognize the CPSA staff, who work tirelessly and remain deeply committed to our mission. Thank you for your continued dedication.

Looking ahead, I want to emphasize the importance of staying true to our core mission: patient safety and the protection of patients. Physicians will continue to rely on CPSA for clarity and guidance as we navigate uncertain times, and I am confident in our collective ability to respond thoughtfully and responsibly.

Hiy Hiy,

Dr. Nicole Cardinal

Dr. Nicole Cardinal is a First Nation physician from the Saddle Lake First Nation. She is married and has three children. She is currently practising family medicine in her home community of Saddle Lake while also working in St. Paul Alberta as a rural family physician. Her work includes family medicine clinic, emergency room, continuing care, preceptor to medical students and clinical lead in Post Graduate Education at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alberta Wapanachakos (morning star) Program.