Alberta law lets seniors establish self-governing councils to have more say in their daily lives and care

As of April 1, residents and family members in all long-term care and supportive living centres can establish self-governing councils. The goal is to provide residents with a forum to discuss things like social activities, food and laundry. Operators of facilities are required to send a representative to the council meetings and to maintain documents showing resident and family member concerns, to show they’re taken into consideration. Advocates are concerned that these councils won’t have a say in how care is administered or on staffing levels.