The latest edition of The Journey is here! Click here to catch up on all things Good Samaritan!
Read previous editions of The Journey here, or sign up to be the first to receive the next edition by email.
News
The Journey Fall 2025
January 7
Category: News
News
National Indigenous Veterans Day
November 8
National Indigenous Veterans Day, observed annually on November 8, honors the remarkable contributions and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Long before they were even recognized as citizens with full rights, thousands of Indigenous men and women volunteered to fight in major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.
Their courage, skill, and deep sense of duty played vital roles in Canada’s military history. Many Indigenous soldiers became renowned for their marksmanship, tracking, and leadership abilities, skills rooted in their cultural traditions and connection to the land. Despite facing discrimination at home and inequities in military service, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their fellow soldiers to defend freedom and peace around the world.
It is estimated that over 12,000 Indigenous people have served in the Canadian military throughout history, though the true number is likely higher due to incomplete records. After returning from service, many Indigenous veterans faced systemic barriers, including lack of access to veterans’ benefits and loss of their treaty rights.
National Indigenous Veterans Day was first commemorated in 1994 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as a way to ensure their service and sacrifices would no longer go unrecognized. Today, ceremonies, wreath-laying, and community gatherings across the country reflect a growing awareness of their vital role in shaping Canada’s history and ongoing commitment to reconciliation and remembrance.
As we remember the courage of Indigenous veterans, Good Samaritan continues its journey of Reconciliation — striving to create communities where every person feels a true sense of being, belonging, and honour.
Click on this link to learn more: Indigenous Veterans | Veterans Affairs Canada
First Nations War Hero Sgt Tommy Prince Honoured with New Stamp
News
Good Samaritan President and CEO Honoured Among Canada’s Most Powerful Women
October 30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edmonton, Alberta – The Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada (Good Samaritan) are proud to announce that Dr. Katherine Chubbs, President and CEO, has been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN).
This national recognition celebrates outstanding women across Canada who demonstrate bold leadership, vision, and impact within their industries and communities. The 2025 theme, Rise Boldly, honours women who are transforming challenge into opportunity and courage into legacy.
“Dr. Chubbs embodies what it means to rise boldly,” said Marlene Raasok, Board Chair, Good Samaritan. “Her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to person-centered care have strengthened Good Samaritan’s mission and inspired our teams to make a difference every day. This recognition is a reflection of her character, dedication, and the positive change she continues to drive in the continuing care sector.”
Since joining Good Samaritan in 2020, Dr. Chubbs has led transformative initiatives to enhance quality of living, empower employees, and advance equity, diversity, inclusion and Reconciliation across all levels of the organization. Under her leadership, Good Samaritan continues to build sustainable, faith-based communities that foster belonging, dignity, and purpose for seniors and individuals with complex needs throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized alongside so many extraordinary leaders,” said Dr. Katherine Chubbs. “To rise boldly means to lead with courage and compassion, to break barriers with integrity, and to lift others along the way. This award reflects not just my journey, but the collective strength of our Good Samaritan family and our shared commitment to serve with excellence.”
The 2025 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners were announced by WXN on October 30, 2025. Winners will be celebrated at the Top 100 Awards Gala on November 27, 2025, at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
A full list of award recipients is available at https://wxnetwork.com/page/2025Top100AwardWinners.
About Good Samaritan
As the largest faith-based, not-for-profit provider of senior care and programs in Western Canada, The Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and compassionate communities where individuals experience caring, belonging, and purpose. With over 76 years of service, Good Samaritan provides continuing care, assisted and supportive living, and specialized health programs guided by the values of Excellence, Inclusion, Healthy Relationships, and Servant Leadership.Learn more at www.gss.org
About WXN
The Women’s Executive Network (WXN) celebrates and inspires women leaders across Canada, providing access to networking, mentorship, and learning opportunities to support women in achieving their full potential. Through its annual Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, WXN honours outstanding women who are shaping the future of business, government, healthcare, education, and community leadership.
Learn more at www.wxnetwork.com
– 30 –
For media inquiries, contact:
Paola Gatica
Director, Communications and Board Support
The Good Samaritan Society
Email: pegatica@gss.org
Phone: 780-907-9265
News
The Good Samaritan Society Announces West Village Project in Partnership with PCL Construction
October 27
The Good Samaritan Society is proud to announce the upcoming West Village Project, a transformative new continuing care facility that will redefine the standard of compassionate, person-centered care in Edmonton’s Lewis Estates community.
This development reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusion, and community well-being. In partnership with PCL Construction, one of Canada’s most trusted builders, we are bringing this vision to life through collaboration, expertise, and shared values that place people first. The facility was designed by START Architecture Inc., whose multidisciplinary approach blends building science, technology, and art to create spaces that are functional, inclusive, and deeply connected to community.
About the Project
The West Village will feature 280 continuing care suites thoughtfully designed to support adults with complex care needs. The seven-storey facility will embrace a “small-home” model, creating 20 individual households, each with 14 private rooms, a kitchen, and inviting common areas that promote connection, comfort, and dignity.
At the heart of this project is a commitment to cultural inclusion. The design intentionally incorporates culturally appropriate spaces to support Indigenous residents, families, and staff, honouring traditions and creating an environment rooted in respect and belonging.
The main floor will host a variety of resident-focused amenities, including community seniors’ programs, a rehabilitation gym, commercial kitchen, restaurant, general store, and hair salon, alongside administrative and support areas that ensure operational excellence.
Together with PCL Construction, The Good Samaritan Society is building more than a facility, we’re building a village of care, compassion, and community where every individual feels at home.
News
Seeking Nominees for the Board of Directors
October 9
The Board of Directors of The Good Samaritan Society, Good Samaritan Canada and Good Samaritan Delta View Care Centre (Good Samaritan) seek to maintain a Board comprised of talented and dedicated Directors with a diverse mix of expertise, experience, skills and backgrounds. The skills and backgrounds collectively represented on the Board should reflect the diverse nature of the business environment in which Good Samaritan operates. For purposes of Board composition, diversity includes, but is not limited to, geography, age, gender, and ethnicity.
Good Samaritan is currently seeking nominees to join a diverse group of members who collaboratively contribute to the well-being and sustainability of the organization. Recognizing the importance of Indigenous voices, we are actively seeking a candidate from an Indigenous background to join the Board of Directors.
The Good Samaritan Society and Good Samaritan Canada are leading faith-based, not-for-profit, registered charities in Western Canada that provide quality accommodations, health, and community care services and programs to aging individuals in need. With over 75 years of experience providing specialized health and community care services in innovative and caring environments, our operational effectiveness and overarching culture of service and care make us the provider of choice for individuals and their families seeking a supportive place to call home.
The Board of Directors is a governance board of twelve (12) directors (ten laypeople and two clergy).
The Board of Directors define the organization’s mission and sets its strategic directions and priorities but delegate responsibility for staff and the day-to-day management of activities to the President and CEO.
The Board meets quarterly, for two days, plus Committee meetings to:
- Establish policy;
- Exercise fiduciary responsibilities, including investment strategies;
- Monitor, advise and support the achievements of the strategic plan; and
- Focus on visioning for the future in an ever-changing healthcare and service delivery environment.
The Board is seeking to fill two positions. We are interested in candidates with:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate the mission, vision, values and strategic priorities of Good Samaritan to its partners, stakeholders and broader community;
- Willingness to take an active participatory role in board meetings, committees and projects;
- Previous board experience, in particular on not-for-profit governance boards; and
- Demonstrated ability to understand and contribute to business processes, including financial and strategic planning in a meaningful, constructive way.
Ideal candidates will bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Project Management: Experience in major capital projects.
- Legal: Experience in legal advisory, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Labor and Union Negotiations: Skilled in labour relations, union contract negotiations, and conflict resolution.
- Communications and Fundraising: Background in strategic communications, public relations, and leading major fundraising campaigns.
Term(s) of Office: Directors are elected for a three-year term and may sit for a maximum of three consecutive terms.
All directors shall be voting members of The Good Samaritan Society and must reside in the province of Alberta or British Columbia. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please forward your resume to Paola Gatica, Director Communications and Board Support, at pegatica@gss.org.
Application deadline is October 31, 2025
News
2024-2025 Report to the Community
September 23
2024-2025 was a busy and exciting year for Good Samaritan! Together we celebrated 75 years of compassionate care, were awarded Exemplary Status by Accreditation Canada following an intensive survey, launched our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, and broke ground in Edmonton for our new continuing care village. To find these stories and more, read our annual report to the community.
News
The Art of a Lifetime
July 30
Creativity, Community, and Connection at Good Samaritan Christenson Village
At Good Samaritan Christenson Village, art isn’t just a pastime, it’s a powerful expression of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we continue to discover about ourselves. Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush for the first time or sharing a lifetime of creative work, our residents are proving every day that it’s never too late to create, connect, and inspire.
Just ask Irene. At 96 years young, she recently completed a beautiful painting of an owl under the guidance of our talented art program leader and Recreation Therapy Aide, Makiko Kitama. What makes this achievement especially inspiring is that Irene only began painting three years ago. Her journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and a reminder that new passions can take flight at any age.
Down the hall, another inspiring story has taken shape, this one rooted in decades of creativity. Resident Helene, a lifelong painter, recently debuted a stunning retrospective exhibit in our Assisted Living Art Gallery. With the help of her daughter Diane and Makiko, Helene carefully curated and hung up the collection, many pieces of which haven’t been publicly displayed in years. The gallery now glows with her talent, memories, and love for the craft.
The official opening of Helene’s exhibit was a joyful celebration, bringing together family, friends, and community members. In fact, the gallery was the place to be in Gibsons that day! We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Mayor Silas White along with Councillors Christi Thompson, Annemarie De Andrade, and David Croal from the Town of Gibsons, who joined us to enjoy the artwork and visit with residents.
One of those residents in attendance was Tucker—himself a former Mayor of Gibsons—who shared a heartwarming reunion with Mayor White at the event. Their connection added an extra special touch to the day, highlighting just how intertwined our village is with the larger Gibsons community.
These stories—of discovery, rediscovery, and connection—are what make our community so vibrant. From Irene’s fresh passion to Helene’s enduring artistry, and from gallery openings to mayoral reunions, creativity continues to bring us together in beautiful and unexpected ways.
A heartfelt thank-you to Bruce, our Recreation Therapist, for helping bring these artistic visions to life and to everyone who supports our growing art programs.
Here’s to lifelong creativity, cherished memories, and the magic of community.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Journey. Read previous issues of The Journey and other publications here or subscribe at the bottom of this page to be the first to receive The Journey online or by mail.
News
Welcomed. Valued. Loved.
July 21
By Matt Joy, Director Mission, Ethics, Research, and Reconciliation
Imagine entering a room filled with conversation and laughter. There are pockets of people at tables, sharing snacks and playing another game of cribbage. Others are in the throes of conversation as a master storyteller is providing a breakdown of the latest adventure, they’ve been a part of. Still others are scurrying in the spirit of hospitality to make sure everyone has what they need to enjoy this time and space. As you enter and immediately wonder where your place is or if you will be invited into one of these pockets of connection, one of the greatest sounds of all interrupts your thoughts and anxiousness. That sound is someone calling your name and waving arms of welcome into their space, their conversation, into community. We long for that feeling of being welcomed, valued, and loved and we all have an opportunity to be people who allow others to experience it.
What does it mean to truly belong? At Good Samaritan, we believe that every person deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and loved. This belief is at the heart of our vision: “Being and belonging – every person, every home”. This vision has hands and feet, coming alive in the care we provide and in the lives of those on the receiving end of that care. It shapes the way we care for residents and clients, support families, and empower staff. This vision recently inspired a facility administrative assistant at Victoria Heights in New Westminster, BC, to take their break to lead a hymn sing and prayer for residents while the Chaplain was away on bereavement leave. The overflow of that choice was the sound of conversation and laughter overflowing from the chapel, symbolizing the meaning and power of this connection.
For over 76 years, Good Samaritan has been more than a provider of health – it has been a place of belonging. Whether in a long-term care home in Delta, assisted living community in Medicine Hat, or a PPDD home in Edmonton, we strive foster environments where people feel seen and known. While this is supported and driven by leadership, organizational policies & procedures, and accreditation standards, a culture of belonging is truly cultivated in the day-to-day interactions and actions and how Good Samaritan values are reflected in them. It is staff rallying around a 99-year-old resident who has no living family support. I heard recently of a coordinated effort from team members to ensure this individual felt cared for by regularly watering her plants, planning birthday celebrations for her, and making sure she has access to her favourite chocolate. This is the essence of being welcomed, valued, and loved – not mere grand gestures, but small, intentional moments that communicate dignity and care.
This culture of belonging doesn’t happen by chance; it is cultivated through these intentional actions from us all. One team member put it best: “We’re not just providing care; we’re creating a home.” This means honouring each person’s story, respecting their dignity, and ensuring that they feel truly seen.
This vision is not just for those who live and work within our homes—it’s for all of us. Families, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners all play a role in shaping an environment where every person is welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or an ongoing commitment to compassionate care, we each have an opportunity to live out this vision.
As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission. Because when people feel a sense of belonging, lives are transformed. This is what it means to be part of Good Samaritan.
Forward. Together.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Journey. Read previous issues of The Journey and other publications here or subscribe at the bottom of this page to be the first to receive The Journey online or by mail.
News
Good Samaritan Hillside Village Men’s Shed Program
July 8
By Vikki Marrs, Chaplain, Good Samaritan Hillside Village and Good Samaritan Pioneer Lodge, Salmon Arm, BC
Dementia care continues to evolve and be more inclusive than ever before. This often means creatively responding to the changing demographics of individuals and creating ways to improve their quality of life in a care environment.
In 2024 the word “enrichment” was added to my chaplain’s vocabulary and here at Hillside Village my question-to-self for the year was “how can I move beyond activity-based regular programming to provide a space where the men could play a greater role in what they did and how they interacted with each other?” In the community, men usually get together informally and just talk or do something as a hobby. After talking to the men and having a meeting with them, the Hillside Village Men’s Shed program was started.
Our Men’s Shed is an enrichment program for the men and created by the men who determine what they would like to do. Both myself and rec-coordinator, West, help facilitate the gathering and each person is welcomed, valued, and loved within the group. Homemade muffins and fresh coffee are the order of the morning. So far, the men have refurbished the curling sticks and are in the process of finishing some cutting boards and charcuterie boards to sell at the Spring Fling event to raise funds for future projects. Thanks to a grant from Men’s Shed Canada and supplies from a local hardware store, the men now have the supplies and tools they need for future projects and are bringing their ideas and opinions to the table and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Journey. Read previous issues of The Journey and other publications here or subscribe at the bottom of this page to be the first to receive The Journey online or by mail.
News
Awards of Distinction
May 6
Employee Award Categories
Each award is open to one employee across Good Samaritan.
Mission Award
The mission award recognizes an employee who best exemplifies extending Christian hospitality in a meaningful and creative way. They embody the organization’s mission statement.
Criteria
This employee:
- Demonstrates Christian values in actions and decision-making
- Demonstrates integration of Good Samaritans identity as a faith-based, not-for-profit care organization in their actions and decision-making
- Advocates for vulnerable and diverse populations
- Fosters an inclusive approach to team and community
Vision Award
The vision award recognizes an employee who continually supports our vision of being and belonging – every person, every home.
Criteria
This employee:
- Fosters relationships between residents and their family, friends, community and other employees.
- Promotes inclusion and collaboration.
- Promotes environments that support meaningful experiences.
- Promotes safe and security environments.
- Nurtures the spirit, health and wellbeing of others.
- Actively fosters an inclusive environment where individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities feel welcomed and valued.
Excellence Award
The excellence award recognizes an employee who consistently exceeds expectations by delivering outstanding experiences to those they serve. Through their innovative approach to service, they not only meet needs but also anticipate them, leaving a lasting impact on recipients. Whether through groundbreaking solutions, creative problem-solving, or pioneering methods, recipients of this award exemplify a commitment to going above and beyond in their dedication to exceptional service.
Criteria
This employee:
- Demonstrates a track record of developing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance the quality of service delivery.
- Showcases creativity and originality in their approach to problem-solving and service delivery, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to overcome challenges and meet diverse needs.
- demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing needs and circumstances, adjusting their approach as necessary to ensure continued excellence in service delivery
- Collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders to develop and implement innovative solutions, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve shared goals.
Inclusion Award
The inclusion award recognizes an employee that fosters an organizational culture that accepts and nurtures the individuality of others and represents all people within our communities. Through their actions, they inspire others to embrace equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and actively contribute to building a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Criteria
This employee:
- Fosters environments that are inclusive, comfortable, and welcoming for all.
- Role models expectations and behaviours in embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, and Reconciliation.
- Promotes fairness and justice by addressing systemic barriers and, providing resources and support based on individual needs.
- Embraces our opportunity and responsibility to move in the path of reconciliation.
Healthy Relationships Award
The Healthy Relationships Award recognizes an employee who works in supportive partnerships and opens their heart to others by affirming their goodness and potential. They make it a priority to develop and foster every relationship they are a part of.
Criteria
This employee:
- Shows respect to others
- Is eager to partner in shared responsibilities
- Communicates openly and sincerely
- Shows compassion to all
- Upholds dignity and encourages the growth of everyone around them
- It makes those around them feel truly part of the Good Samaritan family
- Actively promotes the work of Good Samaritan
Servant Leadership Award
The servant leadership category recognizes employees who continually demonstrate the core values of the Good Samaritan through exemplary servant leadership qualities. They lead through the giving of themselves in service to others, by acting with courage in a trustworthy and ethical manner.
Servant Leaders are
- Accountable for all their actions
- Demonstrate integrity
- Are good stewards of resources
- Demonstrate fairness
Criteria
This employee:
- Leads by example and inspires leadership though action and results.
- Demonstrates accountability for their actions and decisions.
- Leads by managing resources in the most efficient manner and devises plans that reflect the current and future needs of those they serve.
- Knows the resources they have been entrusted with and works towards improving services with these resources.
- Excels in open and honest communication with others.
- Believes in continuous learning and assisting in the growth of others.
Team Award Categories
- Each award is open to one team across Good Samaritan.
- Administrative and operational teams, including interdisciplinary teams, are eligible.
- A team must consist of a minimum of 3 people.
Resident/Client Experience Award
The resident/client experience award recognizes a team that has implemented a change or made an improvement to how residents/clients and their families experience healthcare services. This team continually prioritizes all aspects of person-centered healthcare service delivery to stay focused on those we serve. Demonstrable improvements in or positive impact on culture, quality, safety and/or financial indicators will be used to determine the recipient of this award.
Quality Improvement Award
The quality improvement award recognizes a team that has demonstrated a relentless focus on driving forward quality improvement. . This team is a strong advocate of quality improvement: leading, influencing, motivating and engaging others in improvement efforts with an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for resident/clients. This team has implemented a quality improvement initiative(s) focused on a single issue resulting in a measurable, positive impact within Good Samaritan.