Some history about the Ostomy Manitoba Association, Winnipeg Ostomy Association (WOA), and the Manitoba Ostomy Program
204 – 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3A 1M5
Phone: (204) 237-2022 E-mail: woainfo@mts.net
HISTORY
1972: August 30th, Province of Manitoba issues Letters Patent of Incorporation for the Winnipeg Ostomy Association, Inc.
1974: After two years of hard work by the Winnipeg Ostomy Association the Province of Manitoba announces the creation of The Manitoba Ostomy Program, creating a system where quality ostomy supplies are available at no cost to the individual ostomate.
1975: The WOA affiliates with The United Ostomy Association, Inc.
Mid 1980’s: WOA becomes the third largest chapter in North America.
1993: The Province of Manitoba announces the creation of a co-payment for ostomy supplies. WOA members and ostomates across the province protest this.
1995: The Website of the WOA goes online. This is believed to be the first website in the world dedicated to the subject of ostomies.
1995: The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists makes a formal proposal to the Government of Manitoba to take over the distribution of Ostomy Supplies. Strongly opposed by the Winnipeg Ostomy Association, the proposal is suspended.
1997: The Manitoba Ostomy Product Review Committee is formed by the Provincial Government. Two representatives from the WOA are asked to sit on this committee.
1997: Winnipeg Ostomy Association members vote to affiliate with The United Ostomy Association of Canada, Inc.
1998: Bill Aitken, Secretary of the WOA, is elected to the Board of Directors of the United Ostomy Association of Canada. He serves for 2 ½ years.
2004: In September, the Government of Manitoba announces the elimination of the co-payment on Ostomy Supplies retroactive to April 1, 2004.
2005: The WOA is the host chapter for the Eighth Annual Conference of the United Ostomy Association of Canada, Inc. The Conference is held at the Delta Winnipeg
2006: Dave Page, Immediate Past President of the WOA is elected to a two year term to the Board of Directors of the United Ostomy Association Of Canada, Inc.
2007: The Winnipeg Ostomy Association Inc. celebrates 35 years on August 30, 2007.
2007: At the UOAC’s 10th Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, the WOA is presented with the “Alan Porter Memorial” award by FOWC and wins ConvaTec’s first prize in promoting World Ostomy Day in Canada on October 7, 2006.
2009: In April 2009 the Winnipeg Ostomy Association is presented with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.
2012: FOWC’s Allan Porter Memorial Award was presented posthumously to Dave Page (former WOA President) at the UOAC Conference in Toronto, ON.
2012: The Winnipeg Ostomy Association Inc. reaches another milestone – 40 years and growing!
2013: Rosemary Gaffray and Lorrie Pismenny were elected for a two-year term on the Board of Directors of Ostomy Canada Society.
2016: The WOA, once again, is the host chapter for the 2016 biennial Ostomy Canada Society Conference held at the Delta Winnipeg, August 18 – 20, 2016. This was deemed a very successful event once again.
2018: New website launched.
2023: We have officially changed our name with Manitoba Companies Office. Effective June 26th, 2023 WOA has become Ostomy Manitoba Association Inc.
