Lethbridge cancer centre renamed

Province honours Jack Ady's three decades of public service

The Lethbridge Cancer Centre has a new name.

The Jack Ady Cancer Centre was dedicated Oct. 14 at a special event honouring Jack Ady's contributions to health care, education, business, and agriculture throughout a prestigious career of public service that spanned three decades.

"Who'd have ever thought (I'd) get this kind of recognition? Not me," said Ady.

Premier Ed Stelmach, who made the announcement, said Ady has done a great deal for Lethbridge, southern Alberta and the province in general.

"He has served health care with great dedication and leadership," said Stelmach.

"Truthfully, Mr. Ady took public service to a different level – he was absolutely committed to making a difference and he has certainly done that."

The cancer centre renaming was held at a retirement celebration for Ady, who completed his term with the AHS Board Aug. 31. Ady also completed more than six years of service with the board of the former Chinook Health Region.

"To be asked to serve on the AHS Board was a privilege," said Ady. "We have some really good people on the board, great leadership from Ken (Hughes, Board Chairman), all there for a single purpose: to make health care better for Albertans."

Prior to entering health-care governance, Ady was elected as the Taber-Warner-Cardston MLA for three terms (1986 to 1997); he also served as Minister of Advanced Education. Prior to entering provincial politics, Ady was elected to council with the Municipal District of Cardston.

"Jack's legacy of improving health services for southern Alberta has been appropriately commemorated in the naming of this building," said Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta's Minister of Health and Wellness.

"He certainly deserves this recognition for his many years of outstanding service but especially for the role he played in getting radiation therapy services established in Lethbridge."

Since radiation treatment was introduced in Lethbridge in late June, more than 50 individuals from Lethbridge and area have received treatment locally rather than having to travel to Calgary or Edmonton.

AHS plans to add a second radiation oncologist soon and expand services even further.

Lethbridge is the first site in Alberta to provide radiation therapy outside of the two major Alberta urban centres. As part of the Cancer Corridor, radiation therapy will next be added to services in Red Deer followed by Grande Prairie.

"He brought a great deal of knowledge and experience to the table," said Hughes. "We are very sorry to see him leave the board but he has certainly earned his retirement and we want to wish him and his wife, Darlene, as well as their family, all the best."