Toronto. Abistamiskomitee aastakoosolekul. EHATARE VIDEO
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Meiusi demands transparancy!?15 Jul 2012 05:18
This is the man who will neither confirm, nor deny, that he's harassed Ehatare with a series of baseless complaints to the Government.
Poxy15 Jul 2012 07:46
Prox id olid valja saadetud juba kallutatud nimedega, puudusid teised nimed-seega on valimised ebademokraatlikud suunatud nendele nimedele ,milledele vana juhatus kirjutas prox i peale we recommend these..... . Aga kuhu jaid teised,, voi ei oleks tohtinud nimedeta proxi valja anda et proxi holder ise valiks koosolekul otse. Kas tuhistada valimised ?
Allan Meiusi15 Jul 2012 15:53
I believe that EAK is an important organization and there is no room for "baseless" claims. Before asking questions or taking issue with a claim, everyone should perform their own due diligence. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care reported an issue of non-compliance last September. The presentation given to EAK members on May 22nd indicated that the Ministry was "cognoscente" of the fact that Ehatare was operating with a member of the Board in a non-compliant position. But on July 10th (2012) the Performance Improvement and Compliance Branch verified that: "A review of our database indicated that the Medical Director was listed as a member of the Board since 2001. However, according to our compliance records, Long-Term Care Home Inspectors were not aware of this information until an anaymous informant contacted the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) in 2011." That would seem to indicate that the Ministry was not fully "cognoscente" of the dual responsibility nor did they give the situation a tacit acceptance. More than a few people are concerned by these types of issues, as they are about documents that fail to report that directors of the Board were compensated for services rendered to the corporation. If directors were compensated, so be it...but please report it to the membership and the required agencies. The challenges of operating in a highly regulated environment can be overwhelming and sometimes circumstances require bold decisions. These decisions, however, shouldn't include limiting access to information when members ask questions directly on specific points. That action only sparks more questions and concern. Limiting discussion on issues, refusing to provide copies of presentations made to members and not providing minutes to previous EAK meetings begs the question... "why?" Characterizing the process of asking questions and pointing out facts as harassment, especially if the facts are supported, is unfortunate.
I congratulate the candidates who won their positions on the Board. I believe it's very healthy that we discuss matters, debate ideas and encourage other candidates to demonstrate their desire to be active in the organization. I'm sure all EAK members want a healthy, forward thinking and open discussion about the future of Ehatare.
Meiusi demands transparency!?16 Jul 2012 17:13
Mr. Meiusi repeats the claim that Ehatare filed "... documents that fail to report that directors of the Board were compensated ..." even though he knows that the Board is composed of volunteers.

Dr. Leesment received compensation for providing medical services and, when this threw Meiusi & Co. into consternation, Leesment resigned as Medical Director. Ehatare's residents are now deprived of medical service in the Estonian language. That's a victory, of sorts, if you don't have a loved-one in Ehatare.

Will this twaddle about transparency ever end? We all know that Meiusi & Co. tried to overthrow the Board to "get Ruth".

Then what? How about some transparency from you, Mr. Meiusi?
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Meiusi demands transparancy!? (05:18)
Ingrid Tanner16 Jul 2012 09:15
I watched the videos of the AGM and of Dr Leesment and the one with Allan Meiusi.

First off... Allan it was great to finally put a face to a name. Great interview…

The board meeting seemed chaotic and again reinforces my view that the board is acting in preserving their jobs (which would be fine if there was some transparency and openness) and by "pre-approving" the agenda (or was it minutes? I am not sure Dr. Leesment knew which one he was talking about) because they had enough votes via proxy is ridiculous.. How did they know how many people would arrive at the meeting to know that they would have had enough votes?
This shows that the board does not want people to know via the minutes what is happening. WHY? What is so secret? What are you hiding?

The person who spoke of their "hands being tied" shows how out of touch the board is. We all know you can't talk details of a lawsuit- but the board never acknowledged that they mishandled the Public Relations aspect relating to the lawsuit. Many of us wanted the board to get a mediator. I for one wanted the board to send Ruth for training on how to INSPIRE employees... not scare then into silence from fear of losing their jobs.

My mother is looking forward to living at Ehatare. So I wonder how employees feel when they can just be terminated for no cause. Ok now that there is a union that might not happen any longer. But, I believe that it is an unhealthy work environment when one lives in fear of their job security. I believe that scared employees won’t tell their superiors of issues. Silent employees might mean that some issues that might need to raised for the protection of the residents night not be brought forward. When you need your job – you don’t want rock the boat because of job security fears. THAT my dear board are the type of things you can speak about.

Finally, Dr Leesment, Spoke of how the government wanted even snacks recorded onto the records of the residence … he went on to talk about using the computer and how he uses one finger – Sharing his lack of computer skills. I started to wonder about medical charts? Are they not computerized? Who entered his notes for him? How did he read the charts if many items are on the computer such as their food intakes if he is just starting to learn?

The President of the EAK does not sound like someone getting email alerts and notices of government mandated changes or updates into improved systems and procedures. It scares me that in our age of complex technology making information readily available on the computer and how a computer via the internet is a gateway onto the information highway that Dr. Leesment is on a learners permit.

I wish the new board well… and I truly hope that all of you are able to commit the time and energy needed to full-fill your tasks and responsibilities… making us all proud and ensuring a safe environment at Ehatare.
Allan Meiusi16 Jul 2012 22:26
I'm perplexed since it seems that having an Estonian speaking doctor at Ehatare has been deemed more important than following the law of the country that we reside in. It's fantastic that we have an Estonian speaking doctor willing to service our greatest generation...but do we have to break Ontario statutes to do it? Canada is a fantastic country. I love this country for accepting my parents and their siblings in time of international turmoil and giving them the opportunity to live and prosper. The laws of Canada and Ontario should mean something shouldn't they?? If we respect this country, as we should, then we should respect its laws even when those laws do not necessarily serve our community at a time of need.
Secondly, if members aren't transparent about their concern, then why would a full slate of candidates run? I'm flattered that some people have tried to call this "Meiusi and Company" because I'm geniunely proud to be in the company of such enlightened individuals. But that is where people seem to miss the point. It has nothing to do with individuals, this is about changing a troubling direction that affects a generation of people.
Alternate candidates only had 10 days, including a long weekend, to be nominated and endorsed by other members because the by-laws were not clear on the procedure. Yet we were able to do so because a significant number of people in the community had concern about the direction of the Board. EKN had elections some months ago and ran an advertisement in the Eesti Elu weeks before the election. Seems like that is a more pragmatic way to engage the membership as well as benefit from greater community participation. Instead EAK members received notice about the AGM in the minimum10-11 day notice period. Since the by-laws are less then percise about the election process the AGM notice was really the only solid information about how to nominate candidates. Why can't EAK be as open as EKN for example? Hr. Einola writes about having a "pre-chosen" slate full of alternative candidates on proxies. A sign of good organization in the heat of the moment I would think. Are checkmarks really as bad as issuing proxies without ALL the names of EVERY candidate on the proxy ballot? Maybe we should have had ballots with the names of alternate candidates and forgotten the names of the candidates running for re-election, would that have been fair?
Instead of trying to get to solutions and admitting mistakes were made, the direction seems to be to save individual positions. Sir John Dalberg-Acton is famous for his remark: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Unfortunately far too many of our relatives lived under those conditions of absolute power for decades. So maybe some members of the community here would like to put in a word once and a while so that absolute power remains a thing of a tragic past.
Ehatare Watcher16 Jul 2012 17:37
Ehatare is home to our community's seniors. Their representative, Mr. Vaikla, spoke very eloquently at the end of the meeting. He spoke of the turmoil this has all caused. Also, of the considerable unease caused by the legal proceedings. It is and has been a well-run facility. I am afraid of a "takeover" by an inexperienced group. Too much is at risk.
Ingrid Tanner16 Jul 2012 22:36
I am shocked by your comments about "a "takeover" by an inexperienced group".

Did you read our CV's???

Did you read the CV's of the people recommended by your existing board?

Really - Did you even read any of them. Did you compare our combined skill set. We each could have contributed unique and valid new perspectives.

You are afraid... I accept that... Change is not for everyone. But the team of people put together was impressive... even if a few of us got elected it would have "revitalized" the board with new insights. A handful of new board members cannot cause turmoil or a takeover.. there is a process.

And legal proceedings are scary... but they too can be minimized buy being straight forward, talking and negotiating. The legal FiGHT is what is costly... stop fighting and the lawyers make less money.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Ingrid Tanner (09:15)
to - Ingrid Tanner19 Jul 2012 12:45
There is nothing wrong with your CV's.
It's your intentions that are ambiguous and sinister.
We know that you'd like to lynch the Administrator. Beyond that, we know nothing.
Meiusi keeps barking about transparency and the law. For what? Certainly not Estonian language service for our parents!
Come clean with us and you might get more votes.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Meiusi demands transparancy!? (05:18), Meiusi demands transparency!? (17:13)
Ingrid Tanner22 Jul 2012 13:28
What does that mean "come clean" on our intentions?

You do not believe we have good intentions ... so you choose to not to trust us. Instead you stay "status quo" and you think you have somehow triumphed.

I for one have never said a negative thing about Ruth, except that she might need training. I have never implied a lynching.

That my dear is NOT a productive way to work with people.
That kind of talk is what leads to insecurity and fear that is being spread here.

And as we have learned, when you fire a long term employee of Ehatare, the residents don't like that and the community does not like that.

My mother went to a hospital once and was given the wrong medicine.
She knew it was wrong because she has been taking the same medicine for years. So on the next night when she again received the wrong medicine... she feared for the safety of the other patients who might not recognize their medications.

Though I implored her to tell the head nurse... she refused because she was afraid that the nurses would not longer take care of her.

This is the life of a senior. Wanting to feel safe and being scared to rock the boat. That is NO WAY to live the last days of your life.

My mother wants to live at Ehatare... waits for the call everyday. When she finally gets in I would love for her to feel safe.

The care of the seniors is what this is about. In Estonian or not...

We have Estonian doctors... find out why none of them applied for the job at Ehatare.

If this is important.. ask the board why none of them applied?

Did you see any advertisements in the Eesti Elu when they were looking for a doctor? I didn't.

If having an Estonian doctor at Ehatare is a issue to many people... PLEASE ask the board to explain... ask them to explain IF they made any efforts to find one?

Ask what efforts they used while looking for a doctor.

This issueabout an Estonian doctor alls onto the shoulders of the old and current board.

When I asked the board questions... I got no answers... When we write on this blog and ask the board for answers we get none.

I understand that the EAK board members did not even answer questions at the AGM.

That is why I wanted to join. When the board says "we know best" please don't ask us to explain... that is much more scary to me then a person like me who might like to serve on the board.

So please.. go ask the board to clarify and explain all the steps they took in their valiant effort on behalf of the seniors..

Go ask some medical doctors to put their name forward at the next AGM.

It is not easy to get people to volunteer on these boards. So for years I have been complacent and trusted the existing board. When that trust faltered... and answers were no longer forth coming. This made me wonder what happens when someone is on a board for over 15 years and for Dr Leesment it is how many years? 1985 is what is listed on the records... 27 years.

Can you say dictatorship?

So please... ask the great leader of EAK where they looked and advertised for that Estonian Doctor.

But do not make me into some sort of rebel because I would like some answers from the board.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Ingrid Tanner (09:15), Ingrid Tanner (22:36), Ingrid Tanner (12:42)
Ehatare Watcher two16 Jul 2012 18:26
The need for an Estonian speaking doctor was never an issue as Leesment was never there when residents were awake or family was present . This only applies to the nursing home floor on the 4th floor.
4th floor residents understand enough English for their new doctor and the nursing staff speak sufficient Estonian to translate if needed.
Mr. Vaikla is not on the4th floor and doesn't really get the issues at hand .
Peeter Einola16 Jul 2012 19:03
Video highlights convey impressions which are by their nature limited. For those who did not attend the ERC Annual General Meeting, it would have been useful to have heard Ruth Macfarlane's full report on Ehatare's performance over the past year. They would also have heard one the residents, Hr. Vaikla, declare that residents are happy with their lives and to stop the bickering. Both of these are significant. They are indicative of both Management and the Board having moved on. They are doing what they are supposed to be doing, which is to act in the best interests of the residents. Hr. Vaikla's appeal is indicative of the residents having moved on as well. Ruth's presentation was not challenged. Neither was Hr. Vaikla's. Ehatare continues to function as a well managed facility. Those who have been led to believe otherwise should at least take notice.

The former employee at the root of the ongoing dissension has also moved on, having found employment and new opportunities. I sincerely hope that the time and circumstances are now right to resolve the outstanding differences between employee and employer. The processes and precedents for resolving such disputes are relatively straightforward and I sincerely hope the parties use them to resolve this dispute sooner as opposed to later.

Some parts of the Annual General Meeting could have been managed more effectively. On the other hand, most organizations in our community are not subjected to unabated harassment, anonymous or otherwise. Calls for greater transparency, may even sound appropriate and reasonable, but to date it is unclear how the existing leadership has not been transparent or how their transgressions may have placed the organization at risk. I have sat through a special membership meeting as well as the Annual General Meeting, and to date, nothing significantly at variance has been presented to the membership. The appointment of a new medical director has resolved any real or perceived conflict of interest issues which the Board chair may have had during his tenure as Acting Medical Director. The history and rationale for these circumstances was disclosed by the Board at the special meeting. It went unchallenged.

Calls for more openness and democracy are also inconsistent with a proxy slate of alternative directors sent to members, with these individuals already pre-chosen with an x marked beside their names. Usually it is the voter who chooses and not the candidates.
Marta Kivik16 Jul 2012 20:47
The need for an Estonian speaking doctor was never an issue as Leesment was never there when residents were awake or family was present . This only applies to the nursing home floor on the 4th floor.
4th floor residents understand enough English for their new doctor and the nursing staff speak sufficient Estonian to translate if needed.
Mr. Vaikla is not on the4th floor and doesn't really get the issues at hand .
the real Marta Kivik17 Jul 2012 07:36
My name is intended for use only by me.
The editors have been made aware of the unauthorized use .
Max18 Jul 2012 14:28
I am surprised that the issue of an Estonian doctor is being pushed to the margins. If there is such a willingness to forgo the services of dr Leesment then I am afraid the dividing line between remaining faithful to a uniquely Estonian retirement home and caving into the multicultural tide that has turned our community into an almost indistinguishable part of the broader Canadian community has just slipped from underneath our own control. This is a shameful push by people who have nothing more than their own self interest at heart.
Ehatare Watcher19 Jul 2012 16:26
Ms. Tanner queried what was meant by "experience". This is rather self explanatory. The Meiusi slate sought to take over the organization, yet from the CV's of the slate, no one had experience in overseeing the running of LTC and/or Retirement Homes. Also, no one had been on the Board of a registered charity. Ms. Tanner did not herself attend the AGM, even though she was a candidate for the Board. Ruth provided an excellent overview of the regulatory constraints that ERC and the Ehatare facility have to contend with. There is a real risk to the vulnerable seniors in the facility by a takeover by an inexperienced group. I do not fear change. Rather, I am a fan of evolution rather than revolution. Enough said.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Ehatare Watcher (17:37)
Ingrid Tanner22 Jul 2012 12:42
You are correct, I did not attend the meeting. As my CV mentioned I manage multi-residential buildings. I was on a business trip in Sault Ste Marie making sure the facilities that house 230 families were in good repair and the projects which started earlier were properly finished and operational. This included new glass panel railings, a new boiler to keep tenants warm along with their with a new domestic hot water heater. I believe even a seniors residence has the need for similar type of equipment. I then met with engineers and planners for the next phase of work and arranging the tender process to get the next projects started. Again, as skill set- what I do for a living could contribute to Ehatare’s operations
.
So yes, with such short notice of the EAK meeting I was not able to change all my flight and appointments … and I was saddened and frustrated by that.

You mention that there are constraints in operating facility like Ehatare… I would assume you are not familiar with the Landlord Tenant Act.

You said, and I quote, “yet from the CV's of the slate, no one had experience in overseeing the running of LTC and/or Retirement Homes. Also, no one had been on the Board of a registered charity.”

First, except for the two board members who were asking to be re-elected NO ONE had the experience you feel is necessary…

Not even the one’s recommended by the board nor the others. So that cannot be an argument you can use in reality.

The new people the board put forward included a translator that can sing Ta Elagu, a retired engineer who worked in the National Defence, and another who has technical and production knowledge. Hmm… Real experience that is relevant???

The only good news is… I guess with Allan Eistrat you will at least have proper use of technology at the next AGM meeting! :)

The independent CV’s not endorsed by the board included Ene Migur, 30 years of practical experience in the Heathcare sector and working at Sunnybrook Hospital (seems relevant experience to me), Eva Meriorg has been a professional home economist and educator, giving leadership and staff development along with managing large budgets (seems relevant experience to me), Viivi Riis Niitsoo, a registered physical therapist and health researcher with a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Science (wow… seems relevant experience to me), Allan Meiusi, actually, serves on Ehatares Family Council and is a President/CEO of a corporation (again, seems like relevant experience to me).

Really, can you say that the handful of us who tried to offer our services had NO relevant experience – especially when you compare that to the people who just got elected? Really? I mean REALLY???

You mention that a group of interested people are on a “takeover” mission. That is fear mongering!

In 2010 there were 10 board members. Let us do the math. If 5 new board members would be elected how does that translate into a “takeover”… meetings have procedures (or they used to) where the board would vote on items. To me there would not be a “ruling” group… one might actually have to plan and discuss instead of dictate rules and procedures.

Evolution is getting people who are eager to volunteer their time with new ideas and experiences that has some relevance to the operation of Ehatare.

What experience did the elected individuals put forward by EAK have in that respect?

We all want to believe in EAK and we want Ehatare to take care of our loved ones. It has to survive for our parents’ generation at least and even beyond!
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Ingrid Tanner (09:15), Ingrid Tanner (22:36)
Ehatare Watcher22 Jul 2012 20:35
I don't know whether to laugh or weep?!?
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Ehatare Watcher (17:37), Ehatare Watcher (16:26)
to - Ingrid Tanner23 Jul 2012 05:14
Had you attended the 'special meeting' of the ERC you could have learned, in precise detail, of the great effort, spanning many years, to hire an Estonian doctor for Ehatare.

The alternative slate for the Board of Ehatare looks every bit like a lynch mob because they've come to a conclusion and, now, they're looking for some evidence to get Ruth.
The mob has no connection to Ehatare; that your mother intends to move in, some day, doesn't count. We've never seen you visiting anyone at Ehatare, acting as a volunteer or anything else. The mob was assembled out of nothing to take over the Board and lynch Ruth.
When that's done, you'll go back to where you came from. Our parents, meanwhile, will need continued care.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Meiusi demands transparancy!? (05:18), Meiusi demands transparency!? (17:13), to - Ingrid Tanner (12:45)
Allan Meiusi23 Jul 2012 16:07
Yes, I guess that the fact that I have family living in Ehatare means nothing for my personal interest. I am looking out for the interest of my family. There is nothing in this process that should be used to associate a group of concerned people with the term "mob." There should is also nothing untoward intended in this process against any particular person(s) for personal reasons. The process is about compliance with regulations that protect our loved ones who live at Ehatare; current and future. But for some reason there are some that would like to make this process or characterize it as being personal... that is unfortunate.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Allan Meiusi (15:53)
to - Allan Meiusi23 Jul 2012 16:26
Are you the guy that used to comment here under the name of 'Maxim de la Trine'?
If not, it's hard to believe that two people could be equally good at spinning bafflegab.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Meiusi demands transparancy!? (05:18), Meiusi demands transparency!? (17:13), to - Ingrid Tanner (12:45), to - Ingrid Tanner (05:14)
Allan Meiusi24 Jul 2012 10:33
As you can see I use my real name. Don't know who Max is but I don't get a sense that we share a point of view or the same IP address.
Samalt IP numbrilt on siin varem kommenteerinud: Allan Meiusi (15:53), Allan Meiusi (16:07)
To I. Tanner31 Jul 2012 10:02
Pr. Tanner kirjutab, et kuna EAK lasi ühe töölise põhjuseta lahti siis ülejäänud töölised ei julge enam midagi öelda ja töötavad vaikides suures hirmus, lootes neid järgmistena ilma põhjuseta lahti ei lasta. See on muidugi hirmuäratav, et EAK lihtsalt nalja pärast vallandab häid töölisi. Ilmselt pr. Tanneri lahendus oleks garanteerida töölistele eluaegne töö Ehatares. Siis kõik töölised saaks rõõmsalt käia Ehatares aega veetmas, teades et neil pole midagi karta .
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