Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler’s hat rack is already stacked with the headgear of a doctor, lawyer, assistant professor, former president of the Canadian Medical Association and TikTok star, but her newest one is the size of a ‘an umbrella.
Its cover gives Osler the opportunity to showcase his unique perspective on a bigger stage.
“It’s going to take some getting used to,” Osler said Tuesday when addressing one of the first times as a Canadian senator.
“I can honestly say that I am still a little shocked, a little speechless and beyond humbled to be able to represent our province in the Senate. It’s just an incredible honor, and I can’t wait to get to work. “
The Winnipeg surgeon and assistant professor at the University of Manitoba was appointed to the Red Chamber as an independent senator on Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I’m here as a lifelong proud Manitoban. I’m here to represent Manitoba, but certainly, as a person of color and as a woman, I can add that perspective to the work that continues,” he said. she told CBC Manitoba. news radio guest host Faith Fundal on Tuesday.
Osler also hopes to bring a health lens as a doctor who has worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think we’ve seen how all the cracks in the system have become big gaps with a pandemic. Many of us have realized how important health is and all the determinants – social, financial, genetic, diet , housing, water – how all of those go into health,” she said.
“And you can give voice to some of the historically underrepresented groups.”
Born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents from the Philippines and India, Osler is known for her work in diversity, equity, inclusion and health promotion, including mentoring medical students through the through the Philippine Association of Manitoba Medical Students, the Premier’s Office said. .
She also trains surgeons on a voluntary basis in Africa and has also raised awareness of the health impacts of climate change.
In 2018, Osler became the first female surgeon and the first woman of color to be named president of the Canadian Medical Association. During her two-year tenure, she developed the organization’s first internal equity and diversity policy.
She has been President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada since 2021, President of the Canadian Medical Forum since 2020, and Co-Chair of the Virtual Care Task Force since 2019.
Manitoba has six Senate seats, but one has remained vacant since Murray Sinclair resigned in January 2021.
Following a process that began in the spring that involved interviews and several endorsements before being signed off by the governor general, Osler’s appointment became official on Monday.
“It’s a chamber of scrutiny and deliberation where, as senators, you represent regional interests,” she said.
“The Senate reviews the legislation. The Senate can also introduce bills. It is therefore very important for our institution of government to balance the House of Commons and to represent regions and groups that may not have a voice.
As for his medical career in Winnipeg, “that’s the question I have to figure out right now. It’s all happening so fast,” Osler said.
She currently practices in two different clinics, including the otolaryngology section of Saint-Boniface Hospital, where she was chief of service from 2010 to 2019.
“I’ve been told it’s possible to do both, and that’s what I’m trying to figure out over the next few days, weeks and months – just the logistics of how this will all work out.”
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