Canadian Natural Keeps Residents Connected and On the Move

The Willow Square Continuing Care Centre gets additional capacity to support residents through a generous donation from energy producer Canadian Natural.

Over the past twenty years, Canadian Natural has invested well over $1.2M into the healthcare system in our region through targeted donations and sponsorships to the Northern Lights Health Foundation. Most recently, Canadian Natural’s contributions to the Foundation’s Gratitude Campaign created health clinic space in Conklin and upgraded the 4th floor of the Northern Lights Health Centre for better access and care of continuing care patients and residents.

With the move of the residents over to the new Willow Square Continuing Care Centre came new opportunities to augment care, to ensure residents could access outside appointments, and to provide more engagement opportunities to reduce social isolation.

Thanks to the support of Canadian Natural, the Willow Square Centre was able to purchase a Collins Low Floor bus with wheelchair accessibility. This gives Continuing Care residents dependable medical and social transportation. While COVID may restrict some external programming at this time, Continuing Care residents are looking forward to resuming trips to schools for the Empathy for the Aging Program, concerts, award ceremonies, and programs at the Nistawoyou Friendship Centre, Treaty Days, and other important community events.

Canadian Natural believes in working together to strengthen the quality of life and wellbeing for communities, and this donation has demonstrated again that the company is a catalyst in our region for sustainable community. Supporting long-term care keeps our seniors healthier, more active and more able to engage with family, friends, and community right here in our region.

“On behalf of the Alberta Health Services, the Northern Lights Health Foundation, and the staff and residents of Willow Square, I’d like to thank Canadian Natural for the funding to purchase this handi-bus,” said Murray Crawford, AHS North Zone Senior Operating Officer. “It is a welcome addition to our fleet and will be dedicated in service to Willow Square. I expect you will see it around town ferrying residents to and from important appointments.”

“Canadian Natural is proud to invest in programs that support those living in the communities where we operate, and that is exactly what the Northern Lights Health Foundation does,” said Jay Froc, Senior Vice-President Mining Oil Sands Operations. “Our relationship with the Foundation dates back to the very beginning of our oil sands operations. It was important for us to get involved right from the start, to help with the health and wellness of our employees, contractors and the people of the Wood Buffalo area.”