Special Presentation following the AGM
Slide Deck
Planning Checklist for Alberta SeniorsPlanning as Empowerment: Control, Dignity, and Peace of Mind What does it really mean to be “prepared”? In this engaging 20-minute talk, Donna Gee—former registered nurse and now lawyer and managing partner with Paramount Law Group in Calgary—explores planning as a powerful act of empowerment. Drawing on her frontline experience in healthcare and years of working closely with estate planning clients, Donna offers a unique perspective on how thoughtful planning gives individuals control over their own lives, protects dignity during times of vulnerability, and brings lasting peace of mind to both themselves and their families. Through real-world insights and practical examples, she connects what she witnessed at the bedside with what she now sees in legal practice—showing how clear plans can ease uncertainty, reduce stress, and ensure wishes are respected when it matters most. This informative and inspiring session will leave you with a clearer understanding of why planning isn’t just paperwork—it’s a gift to yourself and to those you love. Donna Gee was a registered nurse from 1993 to 2020, and a lawyer since 2005. Throughout her career in law, Donna has focused primarily on the areas of Elder Law, Grandparents Advocacy, Wills and Estates Planning, Surrogate Court Matters, and Estate Administrations. She has appeared successfully in all levels of court in Alberta, most recently being a successful result with an international child abduction case in 2021 at the Alberta Court of Appeal. Slide Deck Planning Checklist for Alberta Seniors |
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Planning as Empowerment: Control, Dignity, and Peace of Mind
On February 28, 2026, CMS hosted a member education session with Donna Gee (Paramount Law Group) on how planning ahead protects your choices and reduces stress for the people you love.
The core message: Planning isn’t pessimism — it’s preparation. When your wishes are documented and shared, you keep control, protect your dignity, and leave your family with peace of mind.
Why many people avoid planning (and why it matters): Donna highlighted common reasons people delay: it feels uncomfortable, it feels final, we assume there’s more time, or we assume someone else already knows what we want. But when no one knows your wishes, families can face urgent decisions and uncertainty — and that can make a hard time even harder.
The three essential documents in Alberta: Donna emphasized three key documents that help ensure your voice is respected:
Preventing conflict and regret: Donna also spoke about how lack of planning can create tension and conflict after a loss (including perceived inequality and long-term emotional strain). Her message: documents are important — but conversations matter even more.
A practical takeaway: the Alberta Seniors Planning Checklist
Attendees were provided with an Alberta Seniors Planning Checklist, organized into simple sections to help you take one step at a time:
On February 28, 2026, CMS hosted a member education session with Donna Gee (Paramount Law Group) on how planning ahead protects your choices and reduces stress for the people you love.
The core message: Planning isn’t pessimism — it’s preparation. When your wishes are documented and shared, you keep control, protect your dignity, and leave your family with peace of mind.
Why many people avoid planning (and why it matters): Donna highlighted common reasons people delay: it feels uncomfortable, it feels final, we assume there’s more time, or we assume someone else already knows what we want. But when no one knows your wishes, families can face urgent decisions and uncertainty — and that can make a hard time even harder.
The three essential documents in Alberta: Donna emphasized three key documents that help ensure your voice is respected:
- A Will
- An Enduring Power of Attorney (financial/legal decisions if you can’t act)
- A Personal Directive (health and personal care decisions)
- Who speaks for you
- What treatments align with your values
- What “quality of life” means to you
Preventing conflict and regret: Donna also spoke about how lack of planning can create tension and conflict after a loss (including perceived inequality and long-term emotional strain). Her message: documents are important — but conversations matter even more.
A practical takeaway: the Alberta Seniors Planning Checklist
Attendees were provided with an Alberta Seniors Planning Checklist, organized into simple sections to help you take one step at a time:
- Legal & decision-making documents
- Financial clarity
- Healthcare & personal wishes
- Digital & practical planning
- Family communication
- Review & update
- Final reflection
- Pick one small step this week (locate your documents, name your decision-makers, or book an appointment).
- Tell one trusted person where your documents are kept.
- Review and update after major life changes.
