Each of these historical misnomers is reflected in the theme for the 2008 UOAC Annual Conference - "Forging Forward." Upon arriving newcomers will soon realize that there is much more to this city of more than 500,000 in the industrial heartland of Canada.
A forty-five minute drive to the north is the sprawling megalopolis of Toronto with all the attractions that a world class city has to offer - big league sports, high end culture and haute cuisine. Fifty kilometres to the east is Niagara Falls, a geographical world wonder and the Honeymoon Capital of Planet Earth. Also within a 90 minute radius is the fertile Niagara wine region, the pastoral landscape of South-western Ontario's Mennonite communities such as St. Jacobs and Mount Forest, and the site of one of the world's largest Shakespearean festivals in Stratford.
As you discover the spectacular sights and sounds of our corner of the globe, the goings-on at the Conference will allow you to develop an appreciation for the focus of this year's session. "Forging Forward" also refers to the direction that the UOAC is heading and to its unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of Canadian ostomates and their families. Our Conference Planning Team has diligently laboured for months to formulate a stimulating programme and assemble a series of workshops and seminars that are certain to enlighten and broaden the insights of attendees on a variety of subjects, ostomy-related and otherwise.
The UOAC Annual Conference is a cherished occasion when our nation's ostomy community members strengthen ties, renew old friendships and bask in the camaraderie of this multi-day celebration. We are extremely excited about playing host to this gathering and to playing a role in helping the UOAC to chart its future. It is with tremendous pride and pleasure that we welcome you to our fair city, and before you leave we ask that you remember this timeless battle cry:
Oski Wi Wi,
Oski Wa Wa,
Holy Mackinaw,
Tigers, Eat'em Raw!
Janet Paquet, Conference Chair
