“I have known Sunil for 25 years as a friend, colleague and confidante.  Over these years, we have had many discussions about politics,  government, society, and medicine.  Sunil has always been a very good listener when I needed someone to listen and always gave good advice free of bias.  He was always careful to listen to both sides of the argument before weighing in with his opinion or advice.  With his intelligence, he would frequently come up with something that I wouldn’t have thought of, much to my irritation some days.  This was always appreciated even if I disagreed with him about the issue.  Nonetheless, this never impacted our friendship and I have come to depend on his honest opinion about things.  

I believe that he will carry these abilities with him if he is successful at becoming a member of the Senate.  He will represent the citizens of Alberta with honesty and intelligence taking into consideration multiple viewpoints without carrying the burden of any party affiliations or biases.  This is something we need if we expect the Senate to be the chamber of sober second thoughts.  I wholeheartedly support Sunil’s candidacy for the Senate and hope that you will too.”

Dr. Sam Wong

Consultant Pediatrician (Yellowknife, Saddle Lake, and High Level)
Hospital Pediatrician (Stollery Children’s Hospital)
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics  (U of A)
Executive Member of the AMA Section of Pediatrics
Past President of the Canadian Pediatric Society

“It has been my distinct pleasure to know and to work with Dr Sunil Sookram for the past 20 years both in and out of uniform.  I first met Dr. Sookram when Canada hosted the G8 Summit in 2002.  I was responsible for the medical support for all military deployed within the Kananaskis area who were working alongside the RCMP providing perimeter security throughout the Kananaskis corridor. As a Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Medical Officer, Dr Sookram was an integral part of what is referred to as the Brigade Medical Station providing emergency lifesaving care should the need arise.  Thankfully, given the location and security posture, this Summit was spared the protests, public destruction and injury to both demonstrators and those responsible for ensuring a peaceful Summit.

Our paths crossed again in 2007 when I took over as the Primary Care Manager in the military clinic in Edmonton and Dr Sookram was working as a civilian physician.  Through the intervening years, I have come to know Dr Sookram as a dedicated, experienced and well-respected physician and, more importantly, a well-respected person in the military and civilian communities.  I believe that he is someone who exemplifies the diverse interests of Alberta and would represent us well as a sitting member of the Canadian Senate.”  

R.C. Lennox

Ret. L.Col. Canadian Armed Forces

“It is my pleasure to have known Sunil Sookram for almost two decades.  I am convinced he would be an informed and highly effective voice in the Canadian Senate. 

His particular skills, education and lived experience provide a wide perspective, bringing a valuable addition to the conversation in Ottawa.  I am delighted to endorse his candidacy.”

Janet Scott-Hoyt

Edmonton Pianist

“I know Sunil as a neighbour, a father, and a professional. Sunil is pragmatic, and truly interested in how to make Canada ‘work’ for everyone. I know few other people who have led as rich and varied a professional career, and this makes Sunil so well-suited to contribute effectively to the Canadian Senate.

With his experience and deep knowledge of our healthcare system and the military, and his broad general engagement with current issues facing Alberta and beyond, I would be proud to see Sunil Sookram represent Alberta in working toward a better future for all Canadian families.”

Lesley Harrington, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

University of Alberta

“After 33 years serving Canada’s Military,  I was used to not being heard, with ongoing/ chronic health issues ….I had pretty much given up hope…. until I met Dr Sunil Sookram. From the second I sat in his office I knew immediately that he was different.  He stopped typing, turned and faced me and genuinely LISTENED.  

Once I had said my piece, he set up a treatment plan, sorted out all my paperwork and got everything lined up for my retirement. He went to bat for me and fought for what was right. He never stopped caring for a second I had spoken to other service members and veterans alike and we all have amazingly similar stories. 

I sincerely wish the best for Dr. Sookram and his bid for the Senate, he cares and is willing to fight for his beliefs. What more can you ask for in a candidate?”

Respectfully,

Roger Olynyk

“I have known Dr. Sunil Sookram for over 25 years since he was an Emergency Medicine resident physician. He is an exemplary citizen who has lived a life of service to our community as an ER and STARS physician, an educator, EMS lead physician and site leader of the Northeast Community Health Centre in Edmonton and Strathcona Community Hospital in Sherwood Park.

His commitment of public service extends to the Canadian Military. I have found Sunil to be a rational and independent thinker who has the unique ability to work with others, take on difficult issues and get things done.

He would be a great addition to the upper house of the Parliament of Canada. It is without hesitation, that I support Dr. Sookram’s quest to serve our great province and country in the Canadian Senate.”

Raj Sherman, M.D.

“Dr Sookram is an emergency physician for Alberta Health Services and he has had a long (>20 year) history with the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). In that time he has served as a Transport Physician, as well as Medical Director, for one of the bases in the program. 

He has helped coordinate care, supported rural care providers and optimized medical care and transport for countless patients. He has had firsthand involvement in major incidents such as the Pine Lake tornado. As well he continues to lend his expertise in the training of the next generation of clinicians and health care providers.

He has, and continues to provide, outstanding, exemplary service to Albertans and indeed all Canadians.”

Dr JN Armstrong

Chief Medical Officer STARS

Associate Professor Anesthesia

Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine

Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary