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Navigating Alberta Healthcare for Seniors: What We Learned Together

On October 16, 2026, the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIW) delivered a Community Conversation on Essential Digital & In-Person Healthcare Services for immigrant seniors, who gathered at the Centre for Newcomers in Calgary.

Vilma Dawson and Judy Evans of ANIW led the afternoon in partnership with Centre for Newcomers (CFN), and Jing Wang of CFN translated for participants throughout.

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Knowing where to go

Presenters started with the four core parts of Alberta’s health system: primary care, acute care, assisted living, and emergency care. Everyday scenarios, like a week of fever and coughing or a spouse who has fallen and can’t get up, helped participants think through who to call and when. They also learned about Health Link 811, which connects callers with a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with interpreters available in 240 languages.

A little tech know-how was part of the conversation too. Attendees learned that the Alberta driver’s license now doubles as a health card as of mid-2026, and that QR codes are showing up more and more in healthcare, which is helpful to know how to use as services move online.

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Photos by: ANIW Volunteer Hassan Ali

Staying healthy and planning ahead

The conversation covered everyday habits that support healthy aging, including annual checkups, taking medications as prescribed, vaccinations, dental and eye exams, good nutrition, fall prevention, daily walks, and time with friends. Presenters also went over the benefits and coverage available to seniors, from Alberta Health Care and Alberta Blue Cross to Alberta Seniors Low Income Supports.

Planning ahead was another focus. Four key documents set out a person’s wishes: a last will and testament, a personal directive, an enduring power of attorney, and the green sleeve. A bright green holder from Alberta Health Services, the green sleeve keeps advance care planning and emergency medical documents in one place.

Often called a “medical passport,” it communicates a person’s healthcare wishes if they become unable to speak or make decisions for themselves. Green sleeves were given to some of the participants, and those who did not receive one were reminded they can ask their doctor for one at no cost.

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Photos by: ANIW Volunteer Patrick Antes

Thank You to Our Community

The afternoon wrapped up with a door raffle. Tickets were handed out at registration, and seniors waited eagerly as each number was called. Ten prizes went to lucky winners: five goodie-filled tote bags from Centre for Newcomers, and five prizes from ANIW, including health notebooks and potted flowers. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all the participants who stayed to the end!

Thank you to Jing Wang and Centre for Newcomers for partnering with ANIW, to our event volunteers for making the afternoon run smoothly, and to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for funding this project.

More health resources and supports for seniors are available at alberta.ca/seniors-health-benefits and albertahealthservices.ca/about.

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Photos by: ANIW Volunteer Pooja Romley

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Ivonne Toledo (Director at large)

International trained Lawer, graduated in Mexico with two bachelors, one in English Language and other in Laws.

Settled in Canada six years ago, faced all the vicissitudes of the immigrants. Now part of an immigration legal team, I want to contribute with team of the board of directors here in ANIW trying to help immigrant women to find their way in this country

Ramona Fernando

Ramona Fernando moved to Edmonton from Sri Lanka in 2000. I am a financial strategist by profession graduated from NAIT in 2016 with a degree in Accounting. I have worked in the banking, hospitality, event planning, accounting, taxation and non-for-profit sectors. Currently I am working at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights as the Office and Financial Manager. My passion is serving the community, mentoring and coaching youth, adults and seniors. I spent my spare time with family cooking, reading, singing, gardening and learning new challenges in life and community.

Dr. Elham Rahmani

As a dual-immigrant woman, wife, and mother, I am passionate about empowering immigrant women across Alberta through inclusion, connection, and community engagement. With a Ph.D. and over 10 years of experience in research, data analysis, and project development, I bring strong skills in strategic planning and community outreach.

My involvement in building the Iranian community in Lethbridge and organizing cultural initiatives has helped create supportive spaces for immigrant women and families. As a volunteer board member with the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women, I am committed to promoting equality, representation, and empowerment for immigrant women throughout Alberta.

Tracey Campbell

Tracey Campbell is an experienced career practitioner with over 20 years of expertise in career development, employment counseling, and public policy. As a former Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Alberta, she has contributed to initiatives that support workforce development, diversity, and inclusion. Tracey is deeply passionate about empowering women and newcomers to reach their full potential through meaningful career pathways and community engagement. She looks forward to connecting with individuals and agencies to share knowledge, provide guidance, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen employment opportunities and social wellbeing.

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Dr. Sandra Dixon

Dr. Sandra Dixon is a Registered Psychologist, Certified Life Coach, and Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge. Her research focuses on spirituality, race, gender, immigration, and social justice, with special attention to racial trauma and anti-Black racism. She actively serves on several community and professional boards, including the Alberta Network of Immigrant Women. Recognized for her leadership and dedication to equity and inclusion, Dr. Dixon has received multiple awards for her teaching, community service, and advocacy in promoting social justice.

Jördis Weilandt(Secretary)

Oki und guten Tag! Mein Name ist Jördis Weilandt. I am an East-German artist, educator and researcher now splitting life between in Sikoohkotoki/ Lethbridge and Mohkinstsis/ Calgary. My training and work in the areas of social change stems from an understanding and personal lived experience that transformation begins first and foremost through relationships, created in spaces where people are able to bring their whole selves, where multiple knowledges are shared alongside and where collaboratives can imagine more just futures together.

Much of my work (on 3 continents) has centred around supporting women: as newcomers, as members of environmentally-minded communities, and as allies and accomplices to BIPOC. Having witnessed many times over how new immigrant women often carry extraordinary resilience, ancestral wisdom and relational strength inspires me to support their arrival and rooting in Treaty 7 territory. It is with clear intention that I want to initiate the building of healthy connections between local Indigenous nations and immigrant families, so that we can collaboratively determine liberatory pathways out of settler colonial Canada..

Hina Thaker (Treasurer)
Hina comes from a legal practice background of regulatory, privacy, labour and employment and human rights law. She has experience in both the private and public sectors as well as not-for-profit organizations. Her previous roles include in-house counsel at he Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, the Calgary Police Service and an Associate at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin. Hina has been practicing for 20 years and has gained board experience as a corporate secretary, and director throughout her career. She served on the ANIW board for several years in the past and has returned to the board again in 2025. 
Abby Aiyeleye

Abby Aiyeleye is a certified project manager and business analyst with over twelve years of international experience. Holding a Business Administration degree from the University of Greenwich, she is dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups through volunteer work. As a member of the Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton and ANIW, Abby is passionate about helping immigrant women thrive in Alberta and Canada. She encourages women to pursue ambitious careers and businesses while maintaining strong family values.

Dr. Maria Louisa Torres (President)

A mathematician born and raised in Mexico City.  I immigrated to Canada for further studies and a professional life in academia. I am involved with the Latin American Literary Association, Calgary Mexican Association and the Calgary Police Services. Other interests included working for the El Salvador Solidarity of McMaster’s University and the Hamilton Police Services. I am currently the president. I am passionate about the work that ANIW does to empower immigrant women.