United Ostomy Association of Canada

The United Ostomy Association (UOA) of Canada is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing supportive and educational services to individuals who have or will have ostomies and engaging in advocacy efforts. An ostomy is a surgical procedure (e.g., colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy) in which an artificial opening (stoma) is formed in the abdominal wall to allow the passage of urine or intestinal contents. To fulfill its mission and objectives, the UOA engages in advocacy efforts on a national, provincial, community, and individual level; offers a variety of publications in English and French, including booklets, newsletters, and reference guides; and maintains a web site.