Attended by more than 100 people, the event featured such speakers as Dr. Robert Haig, executive director of the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA), Ms. Julie Dompierre, executive secretary for the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Marilyn Pearce, mayor of the township of Skugog, and the Honourable Bev Oda, MP for Durham Region.

Speakers talked about D.D. Palmer’s life and his work which initiated the profession of chiropractic.  But what differentiated this gathering from previous dedication ceremonies for the park, and the statue of Palmer therein, was the fact that chiropractic was presented less as an alternative therapy, and more as an integral contributor to mainstream healthcare.  Furthermore, Dr. Palmer was compared, in his significance to Canada, to other well known and respected individuals, such as Dr. Norman Bethune and Sir William Osler.  

Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Colin Carrie, MP for Oshawa – who is also a chiropractor and parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Health – Dr. James Laws, representative for the College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO), Dr. Silvano Mior, representing the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), and Dr. and Mrs  Brown, representing the CMCC governor’s club.  

A number of other DCs were also in attendance, including Dr. Helen Peel who was born and raised in Port Perry, and was a member of the first graduating class at CMCC.  Dr. Peel, after 60 years as a chiropractor, continues to practice in her home town along with her daughter Dr. Reva Bathie.  Dr. Bathie was also present at the ceremony on Saturday. 

Canadian Chiropractor would like to thank Dr. James Laws for covering the event, and for providing  details regarding the plague and the dedication ceremony.