Minister of Seniors and Housing, Lori Sigurdson paid a visit to the Sunshine Lodge on August 17.

A summer tour was created to let the Minister seek opinions straight from the people who live in the senior housing system.

“It’s just an opportunity to really connect with residents and it’s really important for me as the minister to make sure I meet directly with seniors to hear from them about their concerns or answer their questions and certainly it’s a pleasure to be doing it,” said Minister Sigurdson.

Many projects will be underway in the next five years as proposals are created by the community before being evaluated by the government. Their plan is to create new places to live as well as renovate older buildings for the elderly as demand increases.

“Our government has committed 1.2 billion dollars to increase the capacity and support existing facilities all across our province. That’s four times more than the previous government's action plan so rest assured, our government has a strong commitment to making sure that people can age in communities close to family and friends where they want to be,” Sigurdson explained.

As a whole, the Minister enjoyed her visit getting to know the residents.

“I appreciate being so warmly welcomed by the seniors, and the staff who work here. As I said, this is a really fun part of my job to be able to get into the communities and meet directly with seniors,” Sigurdson highlighted.

For the ninth year, A&W Canada hosts its annual Burgers to Beat MS event in support of Canadians living with multiple sclerosis at nearly 900 restaurants across the country. Two dollars from each teen burger sold will go towards the MS Society of Canada on Thursday, August 24.

A Party in the Parking Lot will happen in celebration of this campaign. Drumheller can get in on the Car and Bike Show ‘n’ Shine, Root beer gardens, games and activities, and even a root beer chugging contest. A&W has also created a special Snapchat filter that will be available to all Canadians on Burgers to Beat MS day.
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. It is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults in Canada.

To date, A&W and the MS Society have raised more than $9 million through Burgers to Beat MS. Money raised from this event will help the MS Society fund vital MS research, government advocacy, financial support and wellness programs that empower Canadians impacted by the disease. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or to learn more about the latest in MS research and programs in your area.