Glenn Thibeault may be the MPP for Sudbury and Ontario's Minister of Energy, but he said he was at the Monday grand opening of Réseau Access Network's new offices in a different capacity — as a little brother.
Réseau Access Network — which promotes wellness, harm reduction and education on HIV and Hepatitis C — recently moved its operations from its former location on Elm Street to St. Andrew's Place on Larch Street.
Thibeault's brother Roger, who was 22 years older than the MPP, died in 1991 from complications related to HIV. Before his death, he made use of the services of Réseau Access Network.
The agency opened its doors 28 years ago to assist those with HIV/AIDS. At the time, many — like Thibeault's brother — were coming home to Sudbury from larger centres to die.
“It was one of those things where we were just so lucky to have him home,” Thibeault said.
“I don't know if we would have been able to have him home in the last couple of years that he was with us if it wasn't for you and your organization.”
Thibeault gave an emotional presentation during the press conference, which was also attended by Mayor Brian Bigger and Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, among other politicians and dignitaries.
He said his brother had a favourite pair of jeans with multiple zippers he wore often — Thibeault even wore them himself on Halloween.
Three years ago, Réseau Access Network presented Thibeault with a quilt made out of those jeans.
But Thibeault and his sisters decided to give the quilt back to Réseau Access Network to hang in their new offices.
He said he wants to remind those receiving services there “that this is home, and that you can be treated here like it is your home.
“I want to say thank you so much for all the work you are doing, because it's never left my heart, and I know it has never left the hearts of anyone who you provide service to.
“Congratulations on your new home. It is a fantastic place that is doing fantastic work, and there are thousands of families that really wouldn't know what to do if it wasn't for you.”
With effective treatments now available for HIV, the services provided by Réseau Access Network have changed dramatically, said executive director Richard Rainville.
“We were helping folks come home to die, but now it's about keeping them alive,” he said, adding that the agency is now doing a lot of work surrounding opioid addiction and STI testing.
In terms of Réseau Access Network's new location, Rainville said it's central, and has the advantage of having been designed for the agency's purposes. Réseau is also able to borrow a boardroom belonging to St. Andrew's when it needs to.
Learn more about Réseau Access Network on its website.
