Treasurer's Report - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
30th Annual General Meeting Report
March 26, 2011

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2009-2010 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Board Chair James Orr
Past Chair Suzanne Deschamps
1st Vice Chair Carey Mogdan
2nd Vice Chair Kevin O’Neil
Treasurer Dustin Sundby
Secretary Lesley Turnbull
Nominations Chair Joan Ozirny
Gayelene Bonenfant
Bernie Buzik
Hazel Flewwelling
Melanee Framp
Darrel Frisken
Members-at-Large
Our Mission
Judy Gordon
Wayne Jacques
Lynne Sangster
Doreen Saunderson
To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people
affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

Table of Contents
Agenda .........................................................................4
Minutes of 2009 Annual General Meeting ....................5
Board Chair’s Report ....................................................8
Treasurer’s Report......................................................10
Financial Statements ..................................................14
Annual Operations Report..........................................26
Research Contributions by Chapter ...........................29
2011 Nominations for Board of Directors ...................30
2009 Award Winners ..................................................36
2010 Award Winners ..................................................38
Lunch and Learn programs like this one in Medicine Hat provide an opportunity for people
affected by MS to share stories and find support from one another. They also learn about other
resources available in the community.
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Agenda
1.0 Call to Order
2.0 Welcoming Remarks
3.0 Introductions
4.0 Notice of Meeting
5.0 Confirmation of Quorum
6.0 Meeting Standing Rules
Agenda
7.0 Approval of Agenda
7.1 Motion: “That the agenda be adopted as circulated.”
8.0 Appointment of Scrutineers Committee
9.0 Approval of Minutes of 2009 Annual General Meeting
9.1 Motion: “That the Minutes of November 7, 2009, Annual General Meeting be adopted.”
10.0 Executive Reports
Board Chair –James Orr
Treasurer – Dustin Sundby
11.0 Election of Officers and Directors for 2010/2011
Nominations – Joan Ozirny
11.1 Motion: “That the slate of Board nominees be elected as presented.”
12.0 Presentation of Annual Operations Report
President – Neil Pierce
13.0 Other Business
14.0 Adjournment
Motion: “That the meeting be adjourned.”
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2010 Annual General Meeting
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
Saturday, March 26, 2011 9:30-10:30 am
Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West, Platinum Ballroom
10011 - 184 Street, Edmonton, AB

Minutes of 2009 Annual General Meeting
Saturday, November 7, 2009
10:30-11:30 am
Delta Calgary South
Nakiska Ballroom
135 Southland Drive S.E., Calgary, AB
1.0 Call to Order and Declaration of Quorum
MINUTES
• Board Chair Suzanne Deschamps called the meeting to order at 10:35 am. Thanked
members for their attendance.
• Quorum was declared.
2.0 Approval of Agenda
2.1 Motion: “That the agenda be accepted as circulated.”
Motion: Joan Ozirny
Second: Craig Anderson
Carried.
3.0 Approval of Minutes of 2008 Annual General Meeting
3.1 Motion: “That the Minutes of November 1, 2008, Annual General Meeting be
adopted.”
Motion: Helen Chesterman
Second: Dan Simms
Carried.
4.0 Executive Reports:
Board Chair – Suzanne Deschamps
Treasurer – Dustin Sundby
Suzanne Deschamps reflected on her various positions on the board and thanked Neil
Pierce for his leadership. This is Suzanne’s last meeting as her term is up.
Suzanne Deschamps recognized Helen Chesterman and Ron Wickman for their time served
on the board and presented a gift to Helen who was in attendance.
Dustin highlighted some points from his report and reviewed the financial results. He indicated
that the Society has had a good year despite the difficult fiscal year it was operating under.
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Minutes of 2009 Annual General Meeting
4.1 Motion: “That the reports of the Board Chair and Treasurer, including the 2008-2009
Financial Statements be accepted as presented.”
Motion: Carey Mogdan
Second: Sheila Hatton
Carried.
4.2 Motion: “That the following 3 resolutions be approved by the membership:
5.0 Elections:
1. For the purpose of determining Board term limits the period between the
AGM for the 2009 Stub Period and the AGM for Fiscal 2010 will be treated
as one year.
2. The AGM for the 2009 Stub Period will be held in conjunction with the AGM
for 2010.
3. That the term for Directors of the Board be extended to accommodate
approved Board succession plan.”
Motion: James Orr
Second: Dan Simms
Carried.
Nominations Committee Chair – Joan Ozirny
Presented the slate of nominees to serve as the 2010 Board of Directors.
Directed the attendees to the information presented on page 29 of the Annual Report.
Clarified information in the report that Doreen Saunderson is from Calgary and not from
Edmonton as reported. Indicated that Judy Gordon had accepted the position of Chair, Client
Services Committee.
Joan acknowledged her committee members Judy Gordon and Helen Chesterman and
thanked them for their support and guidance in the process.
NAME LOCATION PROPOSED POSITION
James Orr Edmonton Chair
Suzanne Deschamps Lakeland Past Chair
Carey Mogdan Calgary 1st Vice-Chair
Kevin O’Neil Edmonton 2nd Vice-Chair & Chair: FD Committee
Dustin Sundby Central Treasurer
Lesley Ripley Edmonton Secretary

Minutes of 2009 Annual General Meeting
Joan Ozirny Edmonton Chair: G&CR Committee
Judy Gordon Central Chair: Client Services Committee
Darrel Frisken Lloydminster Member at Large
Doreen Saunderson Calgary Member at Large
Lynne Sangster Southeastern Member at Large
Wayne Jacques South Peace Member at Large
Melanee Framp Ft. McMurray Member at Large
Bernie Buzik Battle River Member at Large
Hazel Flewwelling Central Member at Large
Gayelene Bonenfant Calgary Member at Large
5.1 Motion: “That the slate of Board nominees be elected by acclamation as
presented.”
Motion: Helen Chesterman
Seconded by: Darrel Frisken
Carried.
6.0 Presentation of Annual Operations Report:
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Alberta Division – President, Neil Pierce
Neil presented the Annual Operations Report; spoke to the PowerPoint presentation that had
been created.
Neil took this opportunity to thank Suzanne for her service over the years. James Orr presented
Suzanne with a plaque and thanked her for her leadership. Suzanne received a standing
ovation from the membership.
7.0 Other Business:
Such further and other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
No other business was tabled.
8.0 Adjournment:
8.1 Motion: “That the meeting be adjourned.”
Motion: Blaine Cheverie
Carried.
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Chair’s Report
James Orr
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the MS Society of Canada, Alberta &
NWT Division, I am pleased to present this year-end report to members of the
Society. Before doing so, I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge and
thank the National office and National Board of Directors, Alberta Division and
Chapter Board members, volunteers and staff across Alberta for their hard
work and unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of the MS Society
of Canada.
The past year has presented challenges for all of us who care deeply about
the good work of the MS Society of Canada. CCSVI advocates told us loud
and clear that we need to research this potential new treatment and make
sure government plays a role in making it available as soon as possible. In
Alberta we have used this challenge as an opportunity to reach out to our
members across the province and listen to their concerns. Chapters have held
CCSVI information sessions to enable people to ask questions and learn from
others who have received the treatment. Learning opportunities such as these
are vital for individuals who may be considering travelling outside of Canada
to receive the experimental treatment.
We should feel extremely proud of the many accomplishments that were
achieved in Alberta in 2010. Despite the uncertain economic environment, we
were able to continue providing a high level of service to Albertans affected
by MS. In addition, we met our obligation to MS research and maintained the
fiscal and organizational health of the Society in Alberta.
As the Treasurer and President will report, we had another successful financial
year which has enabled us to continue our efforts to expand services, particularly
in rural Alberta. Our 12 walks and 4 bike tours in Alberta raised money to
provide vital services in communities throughout the province. On the other
side of our mission, we were able to increase our annual contribution to MS
research in a significant way while also reducing the direct cost of fundraising.
Such success wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of over
100,000 donors and volunteers who supported our many fundraising events.
We also rely on the support of many other Albertans who support the MS
Society through corporate sponsorship of our events, financial gifts to support
MS research, and bequests through their estate as a lasting legacy.
I’m very pleased to report that in the area of Government Relations, hard work
and persistence have paid off. We influenced the Alberta Government to
increase its commitment to making Multiple Sclerosis an important provincial
priority. We are already beginning to see evidence of this increased commitment.
The Minister of Health & Wellness announced the creation of the MS Connector
Services Committee to develop a provincial MS Strategy to enhance MS care,

Chair’s Report
services and support. With respect to CCSVI, the MS Society of Canada’s National policy
promotes 3 key objectives (among others):
· Earmark funds for a pan-Canadian therapeutic trial on CCSVI
· Create registries for patients who have obtained the CCSVI procedure abroad
· Ensure that no Canadian who undergoes treatment for CCSVI abroad is denied the necessary
post-treatment, follow-up medical care.
Alberta Division was instrumental in encouraging the Alberta Government to act on CCSVI, which
resulted in the announcement before Christmas of the $1 million CCSVI observational study and
a commitment to clinical trials if warranted. Both these initiatives and a commitment from
government to provide post-treatment for Albertans who have undergone CCSVI are consistent
with National policy. As well, these outcomes are a step in the right direction to addressing the
concerns of Albertans with MS seeking CCSVI treatment.
As a nonprofit organization, we are accountable to you. We need to show you how we are using
the dollars you raise to make an impact for all Albertans affected by MS. Each and every day
the MS Society in Alberta helps someone with MS achieve the quality of life they deserve.
Whether it’s visiting someone in long-term care through our Friendly Visiting program or training
fitness professionals to help people with MS exercise safely, we are making a difference. Not
everyone is aware of the impact we have because these stories don’t usually make the front
page or evening news. We are working on keeping you better informed of the difference we are
making together.
I am particularly excited by our efforts with the private sector and government to improve the
situation for persons with MS in long-term care. Innovative housing options that provide more
support to young persons with MS, allowing couples to live together, improved building environments,
and better accommodation and health supports are just some of the exciting developments that
the MS Society is promoting or taking part in.
I wish to close my report by thanking the members of the MS Society for entrusting your Board
of Directors to represent your interests in these and other matters. We have a lot to feel proud
of but at the same time recognize that there is much more work to do.
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Treasurer’s Report
Dustin Sundby
Attached to this report are the consolidated MS Alberta financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2010. The current year financial statements
are unique in that they show three columns of financial data due to the MS
Society’s decision to change its year-end from August 31 to December 31.
The twelve months ending August 31, 2009 (Fiscal 2009) was the last fiscal
year that ran from September to August. The twelve months ending December
31, 2010 (Fiscal 2010) was the first full calendar year fiscal year. The additional
column in this year’s financial statements represents the activity during the
stub year of September 1 to December 31, 2009 which was necessary to
change the year-end date to December 31st. The new year-end date is a
much better match to our business cycle and it aligns our fiscal year with the
taxation year of most of our donors.
The format of the Statement of Revenue & Expenditures is also very different
due to changes in accounting standards applicable for this fiscal year. The
MS Society is excited about this change to the format of our Statement of
Revenue & Expenditures as we believe it provides much more information
about the work of the MS Society, the various revenue sources and their related
expenditures to raise those funds, and how the net dollars raised from fundraising
are spent to support those living with MS. The Statement of Revenue &
Expenditures demonstrates that the MS Society raises funds through a variety
of sources, each with its own cost structure and life cycle. We are not reliant
on one major source of fundraising which helps to absorb revenue shortfalls
in one area in any given fiscal year.
From a financial perspective, we are very pleased with the results that have
been generated throughout 2010. These results are a tribute to the thousands
of fundraising participants who continue to support the work of the MS Society
and the continued dedication of our chapter volunteers and staff who work
behind the scenes to ensure our wide variety of fundraising activities take
place.
The top of the Statement of Revenue & Expenditures highlights the Leadership
Giving area, which is sometimes referred to as major gifts / planned giving in
our sector. This area involves the solicitation of major gifts that often take
months or years to bring to fruition but can lead to significant results. Included
in this area is bequest revenue which is largely driven from donor stewardship
and positive experiences from involvement with an organization. While bequest
revenue is unpredictable, we received over $473K of bequest revenue in Fiscal
2010, up slightly from Fiscal 2009. Alberta continues to support the endMS
Research & Training Network and combined with additional grant revenue in
Fiscal 2010, the Leadership Giving area increased by $260K or 20% from
Fiscal August 2009.

Treasurer’s Report
Fundraising events continue to generate the most significant sources of revenue for the MS Society.
Given the continued slow economic recovery throughout 2010, we are pleased that revenue from
community-based fundraising events, led by very strong bike tour results, increased by $200K or
3.4%.
The fundraising area has greater costs than Leadership Giving because of a larger staff component
to coordinate and implement dozens of events across the province but these events engage thousands
of volunteers and participants in the work of the MS Society. Community-based fundraising events
also have hard costs such as overnight accommodation for bike tour participants, paid duty police
officers to ensure participant safety, generation and mailing of tax receipts, food, site permits and
equipment rentals, to provide a few examples, that are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable
fundraising event.
While dinners, tournaments and third party events have the potential for larger contributions to the
MS Society, they also have expenses that must be incurred, such as securing a golf course or paying
for the hotel and food. We are particularly proud of our growing relationship with A&W, which
generated revenues of $134K for Alberta Division. On a cross-Canada basis, A&W’s support of the
MS Society grew from $400K in 2009 to $700K in 2010 and plans are already underway to increase
that support beyond $1 million in 2011.
Other sources of revenue were slightly lower in 2010, resulting in total revenue raised increasing
6.2% from just over $8.5 million in Fiscal August 2009 to over $9 million in Fiscal 2010.
The middle section of the Statement of Revenue & Expenditures provides the direct cost of fundraising
related to the various sources of revenue. The cost of fundraising is closely monitored by staff, the
Division board of directors, and the National board of directors. As an organization that receives
very little in the way of government funding, we do incur costs to raise the funds we raise in order
to carry out our mission.
A major focus within the MS Society in 2010, which continues into 2011, is managing the cost of
fundraising and looking for ways of being more efficient and further utilizing the thousands of
volunteers who support the MS Society each year. We are very pleased to report that the direct
fundraising expenses declined from 32.3% in Fiscal August 2009 to 27.8% in Fiscal 2010. A significant
part of this reduction came from staff identifying areas for expenditure reduction, decisions not to
fill staff vacancies and shifting responsibilities when positions became vacant, and a cross-country
review of job profiles and changes between departments to ensure consistency with roles and
responsibilities as well as with other MS Society offices.
The final section of the Statement of Revenue & Expenditures is consistent with previous years and
identifies where the net dollars raised are spent to support those living with MS. As is normally the
case, the largest areas of expenditure are client services and research. With additional revenue
raised and less direct fundraising expenses, additional dollars were available for direct support of
those living with MS. Client services expenditures increased from $1.6 million in Fiscal August 2009
to $1.74 million in Fiscal 2010. Part of this comes from the Division board’s commitment to reach
into unsupported areas and expand the level of client services available in remote areas throughout
the province.
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Treasurer’s Report
At the same time, Alberta’s commitment to research remains at the top of all divisions within the MS
Society. Alberta’s commitment to research increased from just over $1.8 million in Fiscal August
2009 to over $2.1 million in Fiscal 2010. Adding in research dollars that were specifically raised for
CCSVI research in 2010 and funds raised for the endMS Research & Training Network, Alberta’s
total commitment to research in Fiscal 2010 is over $2.36 million. Funds raised in Alberta for CCSVI
research will be added to those funds raised in other provinces. The difference between the funds
raised for CCSVI research in 2010 and the commitment to CCSVI research approved by the national
board of directors will be funded through net assets restricted for research within the National office
to ensure the MS Society’s commitment to CCSVI research is fully met.
Public education and awareness increased as more work was completed with the Ambassador
Program that includes recruitment, training & development, which was funded by additional grant
revenue, and significant efforts were put forward to educate people living with MS and the general
community about MS. This has involved considerable awareness, community development, hosting
of town hall meetings in rural Alberta to establish MS Community Advisory Councils, as well as
expanding newsletter readership, and preparing new educational materials. A portion of the increase
in public education also comes from the review of job profiles to ensure that salary costs are allocated
according to responsibilities.
The other significant increase from Fiscal August 2009 to Fiscal 2010 is chapter and volunteer
support and development. There are a number of factors leading to the increase in this area. The
increased focus on CCSVI and the need to support chapter boards and other key volunteers on this
significant topic of interest has been very time-consuming in 2010. The increase also relates to
additional governance work around the community outreach efforts referenced above in client
services, and the increase also relates to the review of job profiles and accurately capturing the
amount of time dedicated to this significant aspect of the work within the MS Society.
Our administrative expenses declined from $418K in Fiscal 2009 to $383K in Fiscal 2010. More
of the financial processing for the Alberta chapters is being centrally processed by the National
finance department in 2010 resulting in administrative savings. The MS Society is quickly moving
to making payments electronically directly to client or vendor bank accounts rather than generating
cheques and incurring cheque and postage costs. Not only are electronic payments more secure,
but they result in a significant reduction in administrative expenses. As more of our fundraising
participants raise funds online, more tax receipts are distributed electronically, reducing the need
to manually produce, print, and mail out tax receipts.
On a consolidated basis, MS Alberta had a surplus of $217K in Fiscal August 2009. The stub year
produced a deficit of $365K which we anticipated and was necessary to shift our year-end date from
August to December. It wasn’t that the four-month Fiscal December 2009 was a bad year, it’s just
that we have very few fundraising events from September to December which is why we expected
the deficit. Fiscal 2010 resulted in a deficit of $60K.
In terms of the balance sheet, the most significant change is the decline in cash position from $3.7
million at August 31, 2009 to $2.9 million at December 31, 2010. The cash position is higher at
December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 ($2.16 million) because there was no expectation
of chapters contributing to research during the stub year because of the limited revenue during this

Treasurer’s Report
period. The payable to National Office balance has increased from $833K at December 31, 2009
to $1.8 million at December 31, 2010 because many locations determine their final research
contributions when their year-end financial statements are finalized and then transfer the funds to
the National Office to fund research in the subsequent year. So, the $2.9 million cash position at
December 31, 2010 will decline in early 2011 when the payable to National Office is extinguished.
The cash position will further decline from December to May when the core fundraising events take
place and the bank balance is topped back up again. The core fundraising events continue through
the summer months and then the cash balance steadily declines through the fall and winter months
until the spring events arrive again.
Capital assets and deferred capital both increased by a little over $200K due to the relocation of
the Calgary Chapter office that resulted in additional leasehold improvements and deferred capital
provided by the landlord. The deferred capital will be amortized over the same time period as the
leasehold improvements, which is the term of the office lease.
In summary, it has been a great year for MS Alberta. We met the challenge of demands for additional
information and additional support, we’ve raised more money, we provided more support to our
clients and we’ve provided more funding to research to find a cure for everyone living with MS. We
look forward to the opportunities of 2011 and we head into the next year on solid financial footing
to continue to support those living with MS.
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Annual Operations Report: 2009-2010
Neil Pierce
President, Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
I am pleased to present this Annual Operations Report to members to provide
a spotlight on the important work we are doing at the MS Society in Alberta
to make a difference in people’s lives. I am extremely proud of our many
accomplishments in Alberta in 2010 and the efforts of Division and Chapter
Boards, staff, ambassadors, volunteers along with the incredible support that
is provided by our donors and sponsors. In my estimation, this has been the
most successful year during my seven-year tenure with the Society.
In the area of programs and services, staff across the province were able to
assist almost 4,000 people affected by MS in Alberta. We do this primarily by
providing information and referral, recreation, education, support services,
advocacy, and special assistance funding
for such things as equipment. Many
families have expressed their
appreciation for programs such as Kids
Kamp, Teen Escape, Friendly Visiting,
and support groups. Our annual Kids
Kamp enables children of a family
member with MS to learn how to better
manage the sense of loss and isolation
that is felt when the disease strikes their
family. Our Friendly Visiting program
provides support for people with MS who
live in long-term care. Family members
are thankful that the MS Society provides
visitation services for a spouse or child
in long-term care and the comfort that
comes from knowing that social contact
is provided. Last year alone, friendly
visitation volunteers maintained contact
with 150 individuals living in long-term
care. This particular program was made
possible through a grant from Alberta
Seniors & Community Supports, for
which we are thankful. There are also
the 20 MS support groups operating
throughout the province where peers are helping peers. These are just some
examples of the impact of our programs and services.
At a strategic level and several years in the making, there have been several
significant developments to share that will have considerable impact in the
future. Chief among these has been the important work of our Government

Annual Operations Report: 2009-2010
and Community Relations and Client Services committees in increasing the responsiveness of government
to improve MS care, services and supports in our province. As the Division Board Chair reported, this has
resulted in a commitment from the Minister of Health to develop a provincial MS strategy. In the words
of the many people with MS who we consulted, the potential impact is best described in the following
needs statement – “Throughout my journey with MS, I need somewhere appropriate to live that I have a
role in choosing AND I need to be able to locate, travel to and access the care, services and supports I
need to lead a good quality of life.” This translates to four important recommendations that the MS Society
hopes to see in the provincial MS strategy, including: improved multi-disciplinary, integrated care; rural
access; appropriate housing; and system navigation.
Bridging the gap in MS services throughout Alberta
When we think about a provincial MS strategy and improvements
to MS care, services and supports, there are many gaps in rural
MS services that the Society can fill. We have started to do this.
Two years ago the Division Board & provincial Chapters recognized
the need to provide better coverage of our own services that were
not readily available in many communities across the province.
We are pleased to report that we have made considerable progress
in addressing this gap. All Chapters across the province have now
expanded their boundaries to provide a broader reach of our
services. In addition, MS Community Advisory Councils and staffed
satellite offices have been established in areas like Lakeland, Fort
McMurray and West Yellowhead, where we had no real presence.
In South Peace, we re-opened the Grand Prairie Office and are
in the process of replacing the Chapter Board (by request of retiring
Board members) with an MS Community Advisory Council comprised
of community leaders and volunteers. The use of Advisory Councils
as an alternative to the creation or re-establishment of formal
Chapter Board structures provides the means to maintain a strong
grassroots connection so that future plans and priorities reflect client and community needs.
As both the Chair and Treasurer have pointed out in their respective reports, we experienced a successful
financial year. This is the 6th year in a row that we can report a better than balanced budget and growth
in revenues that we didn’t know was possible in a year of an economic downturn and emergence of CCSVI
as an important research priority that received considerable discussion and debate. Despite these
challenges, we are pleased to report a decline in the direct cost of fundraising from 32.3 % in 2009 to
27.8% in 2010.
Increased revenue leads to an expansion of services
This growth in revenue has enabled us to expand services as described above. It has also allowed us
to increase our contribution to MS research in a very significant way. As you will see from the 2010
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Annual Operations Report: 2009-2010
schedule of research contributions that follows this report, the
Alberta & NWT Division and Chapters across the province
contributed $2,412,917 to MS research.
There is currently about $5.5 million in ongoing MS research
projects in Alberta, including almost $200,000 for a CCSVI research
study being conducted out of the University of Calgary. Also in
2010, $300,000 was invested in Career Development Awards to
attract young researchers to the field of MS research at the
Universities of Alberta, Lethbridge and Calgary. This latter
investment is part of a much larger and untold story of the Alberta
MS Research and Training Centre (RRTC) that was launched in
2009 through significant financial support from the Ministry of
Alberta Advanced Education & Technology with matching support
from MS Society donors. This story includes significant collaboration
between MS researchers in these and other Canadian institutions
that is a model for other illness populations. We are pleased to
welcome Dr. Wee Yong as one of our keynote speakers at this
year’s Annual Awards luncheon to speak about this special initiative
and the promise of MS research in general. As Dr. Yong is sure
to report, these are hopeful times in MS research. Joining Dr.
Yong to deliver the keynote address is the Hon. Gene Zwozdesky,
Alberta Minister of Health, who will speak to the Alberta
Government’s commitment to MS as a provincial priority.
I look forward to addressing questions that arise from this report
when I present it in greater detail at the 30th Annual General
Meeting. It truly is a privilege to serve the members of the Multiple
Sclerosis Society of Canada, Alberta & NWT Division.
MS Kids Kamp programs help kids who have a relative with MS understand what MS is and
how it impacts people living with the disease.

2010 Alberta Research Contributions —
Chapters and Division
MS Society - Alberta & NWT Division
For the Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2010
Research (Note 1)
Alberta Division
Edmonton (note 2)
Calgary
Central Alberta
Drayton Valley
Lethbridge
Lloydminster
North Peace
Southeastern Alberta
South Peace
Drumheller
Total Fiscal 2010
Research Commitment
1,017,054
95,260
900,000
91,347
2,676
52,430
42,482
42,095
100,000
38,773
30,800
2,412,917
Note 1: the above research contributions include current year contributions to research from
unrestricted revenue raised during the current year, revenue that is restricted to the endMS Research
& Training Network, revenue that is restricted to support CCSVI research approved by the national
board of directors, and amounts contributed to research under the excess cash policy coming from
prior year surpluses.
Note 2: the Edmonton Chapter research contribution includes $56,000 contributed to research by
Alberta Division, made possible as a result of the Edmonton Chapter sharing the proceeds from the
sale of their building to offset occupancy costs related to the new office shared by the Edmonton
Chapter and Alberta Division staff.
Note 3: Included in the above total is the transfer of net assets in the current year Statement of
Revenue and Expenditures.
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Board Nominations
2011
Nominations of Officers and Directors
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
Board of Directors
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Nominations/Elections
Committee for all their hard work. After weeks of phone calls, emails, lengthy conversations,
and recruitment interviews, I am pleased to bring forward a slate of 14 candidates. It was
my pleasure to be involved in this selection process and I look forward to working together
in 2011.
The list of candidates (biographies follow) for the Board of Directors of the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada, Alberta and Northwest Territories Division, is:
James Orr Board Chair
Carey Mogdan First Vice Chair
Kevin O’Neil Second Vice Chair
Gayelene Bonenfant Treasurer
Joan Ozirny Secretary
Phil Clarke
Hazel Flewwelling
Melanee Framp
Darrel Frisken
Wayne Jacques
Thank you for your interest and commitment to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Joan Ozirny
on behalf of the Nominations Committee
Members-at-Large:
Honourary Director:
Judy Gordon
Jason Kaye
Lynne Sangster
Doreen Saunderson
Jessica Williams

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
List of Candidates for the Board of Directors
submitted by the
Nominations/Elections Committee
to the
Thirtieth Annual General Meeting
March 26, 2011
Nominated for the position of: Board Chair
James Orr (Edmonton)
James is the Chair of Alberta & Northwest Territory Division and member of the National Board of the
MS Society of Canada. He received his LL.B. in 1998 and his B.A. in 1992 from the University of Alberta
and is currently the Director of Codes & Standards with Safety Services, Alberta Municipal Affairs, with
many years of policy, committee and legislative experience. This role includes responsibilities for
accessibility and care facility requirements in the Alberta Building Code. He previously served in the
Royal Canadian Navy as a naval/radio communicator. James’ wife Adriana was diagnosed with MS in
1997 and they have experienced together the trials of MS. James and Adriana joined the Alberta Division
of the MS Society of Canada in 2006, with James serving on the government relations committee and
vice chair.
Nominated for the position of: First Vice Chair
Carey Mogdan (Calgary)
Carey has been involved with the MS Society for the past six years, currently holding positions on both
the Calgary Chapter Board as secretary and Alberta Division Board as Vice Chair as well as participating
as a member of the client services and fundraising committees. Carey also participates as a member
of the Leadership Advisory Council to the CEO of the MS Society of Canada.
Carey has participated and fundraised in the MS Walk with his family for the last several years. He was
diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2004. Carey is Vice President of Tarpon Energy Services –
an oil and gas services company based in Calgary.
Nominated for the position of: Second Vice Chair
Kevin O’Neil (Edmonton)
Kevin O’Neil is employed by Stantec Consulting Ltd. as a Senior Environmental Scientist in the Urban
Land Engineering Department at the company’s head office in Edmonton. Kevin’s current duties involve
providing advice to the land development industry developers with respect to new communities in Alberta’s
Capital Region. He has also championed Stantec’s community investment program by obtaining Stantec’s
corporate sponsorship for the Alberta Division of MS Society of Canada (MS 150 Bike Tour).
Kevin a graduate of McGill University and has specialized in environmental management issues since
1976. Kevin was employed by the Government of Alberta for several years where he managed a number
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of environmental initiatives. More recently, Kevin was the Director of Operations for the Alberta Recycling
Management Authority.
Kevin is a Past President of Yellowbird (East) Community League (Edmonton), Past Vice-President of
the Recycling Council of Alberta and Past Member of the City of Edmonton’s Environmental Advisory
Committee. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for Alberta Computers for Schools.
Over the past several years, he has been an active volunteer with the MS Society of Canada. He is
currently an MS Ambassador and a member of the “Stantec Stingers” Corporate Team in the annual
Leduc to Camrose MS 150 Bike Tour.
Nominated for the position of: Treasurer
Gayelene Bonenfant (Calgary)
On a personal level, Gayelene is a single mother of nearly nineteen years to her daughter Alana. They
share a passion for travel, history and social activism.
Professionally, Gayelene has been an accountant for sixteen years in the oil and gas industry, the last
ten of which had been with a company called Athena Resources Ltd. While at Athena, she had the rare
opportunity to start her own oil company in conjunction with her employer. This opportunity brought
numerous rewards, not the least of which was the valuable experience of learning how to run a business.
After the sale of her company, she took an eight month break, and has returned to work as the controller
for another group of start-up companies, under Freemont Resources Ltd.
While most of her accounting work life has been working in oil and gas, Gayelene had worked with a nonprofit
agency as the financial operations manager and managed budgeting and full-cycle reporting. As well,
Gayelene has served as the treasurer of the Board for her condo association for the last eight years.
My involvement with the MS Society comes as a result of a desire to participate in the solution, being
a part of a group of individuals working to a common goal, a cure. She is motivated by her sister’s
diagnosis in 1999, along with 8% of her hometown, she is no stranger the effects of the disease on
those who suffer and the people that care for them.
Gayelene looks forward to an opportunity to be a part of the executive team and working with a group
of very dedicated individuals who seek to take direct action toward ending MS!
Nominated for the position of Secretary: Joan Ozirny (Edmonton)
Joan Ozirny has served as a board member with Edmonton Chapter from 2001 – 2007, served two
years as Edmonton Board Chair, and served her last year as past chair. She is currently serving with
the Division as a board member commencing 2006/07, served on the Division Fund Development
committee since 2005/06. Other current involvement includes MS Ambassadors Program and Division
Nominations Committee, previous experience with Edmonton Chapter other than Past Chair of the Board
includes; past Chair of Edmonton Client Services Committee, Edmonton Fund Development, Edmonton
Chapter Strategic Planning, Edmonton Chapter/Alberta Division Liaison Committee.
As a board member with MS, Joan is passionate about providing the services that members need to
live with the disease, and is dedicated to giving back to the Society that provided so much help during
a difficult diagnosis period. Prior to her commitment as a volunteer, Joan was a small business owner.
During the 2008 MS Society Awards ceremony, Joan received two National awards: the President’s
Award and the Division Award of Merit – Member.
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The following are nominated members-at-large:
Phil Clarke (Edmonton)
Phil Clarke has been in the restaurant business for 35 years. For the last 15 years he has held the
position of president, chairman of the board and operating partner of the Moxie’s Edmonton group. Phil
has been involved with the MS Society’s Edmonton and Capital Region Chapter for the past six years.
During that time he sat on various committees, including the Bylaw Review Committee, Fund Development
Committee, Drive Fore a Cure Committee, and the MOA committee. Over the last four years, Phil served
on the Executive Committee as secretary, vice chair, chair and past chair in that order.
Phil believes that we should be doing everything possible to lobby the government to make CCSVI
treatment available “safely” to the people of Canada suffering from MS.
Hazel Flewwelling (Red Deer)
Hazel has been a member of the Board of Directors with the MS Society’s Red Deer Chapter for two
years. She is also an MS Ambassador and in this role supported the endMS Capital Campaign and acted
as Master of Ceremonies for several MS donor luncheons in Calgary from 2006 to 2008.
Hazel has been a Chairman of the Red Deer Public Library for five years and the Chair of the Literacy
and Legacy Campaign to raise $2.5 million for the Red Deer Public Library. She was appointed as a
Member of the University of Alberta Senate for six years and presented the late Dr. Ethel Taylor,
community activist and first woman alderman of Red Deer, with her honourary doctorate of laws from
the University of Alberta. Together with her husband, the mayor of Red Deer, Hazel assisted with founding
the Red Deer and District Community Foundation and in establishing dedicated funds within the community
foundation to provide support for the United Way of Red Deer and District and to recognize Dr. Ethel
Taylor. In 1992, Hazel was recognized as Citizen of the Year for the City of Red Deer. In 2009, Hazel
was awarded a Woman of Excellence, Lifetime Achievement Award for tireless fundraising, endless
volunteering and for offering a powerful voice on behalf of those with chronic and mental illnesses.
Hazel recently retired from a 30 year career in teaching and in her retirement, operates Beaute Dé'e9cor.
She is the family genealogist, as well as an avid gardener.
Hazel and her husband Morris have two sons: Michael who is a teacher and together with his wife operate
a recreational dance studio in Edmonton, and David who is the National Training manager for HSE
Integrated, an international oil and gas safety company.
Melanee Framp (Fort McMurray)
Melanee received her B.B.A. from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2007 through distance learning.
After moving to Alberta in 2003, Melanee worked for Syncrude Canada Ltd. as a Business Analyst until
early 2009. Since then, she joined the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo in the same capacity.
Melanee volunteers with a number of organizations: United Way of Fort McMurray, Fort McMurray
Association for Community Living, Wood Buffalo Recreational Society and the local SPCA. For the past
two years, Melanee successfully co-coordinated the Enerflex Fort McMurray MS Walk. In her spare time
Melanee enjoys travelling, studying interior decorating, and playing the piano.
Darrel Frisken (Lloydminster)
Darrel is connected to MS through his Mom. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her very early
twenties, between her second and third child. The disease progressed quickly and she was placed
permanently in long-term care a couple years later, leaving her three babies at home. She died as a
result of MS about fifteen years later.
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Darrel was involved in a very minor way for several years until about five and a half years ago when
he joined the Lloydminster Chapter Board and was elected Board Chair a month later, a position he
held until his four-year term was up, and then one year as past chair. During Darrel's tenure as chair,
the Chapter had a strong and dedicated team and had accomplished a great deal over those years,
bringing much awareness to, and raising the profile of, the organization quite considerably. He is done
at the Chapter board level but continues to volunteer on the Walk committee.
Darrel is into his fourth year as a member of the Division Board and is on the Alberta Division Fund
Development Committee.
Wayne Jacques (Grande Prairie)
Wayne is currently a Lay Bencher with the Law Society of Alberta, one of four Lay Benchers appointed
by the Minister of Justice Alberta. He is also a member of the Law Enforcement Review Board of Alberta.
From 2002 to 2008 Wayne was a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Audit Committee
on the Board of Governors for Peace Country Health and was a member of the Alberta Motor Vehicle
Industry Council from 2002 to 2006. He was also a member of the Alberta Transportation Safety Board
from 2005 to 2008. Wayne was an MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti from 1993 to 2001. He also enjoyed
a 28-year career with Canadian Forest Products, including eight years as Vice President responsible
for Alberta Operations.
Jason Kaye (Sherwood Park)
Jason is a journeyman boilermaker and worked at Jacobs Canada as a Senior Project Control Specialist
until 2004, when his MS prevented him from continuing to work. Jason also worked in the financial
industry and sold insurance and mutual funds. Since receiving the Liberation Treatment, Jason has
made several television and radio appearances. He also provides information about the treatment to
others via email and telephone.
In addition to operating a website for the Sherwood Park MS group, Jason also let his name stand for
the MS Walk and Bike Tour Peddle Partner program. He attended the Sherwood Park group regularly
until his health deteriorated. Along with others in the MS community, Jason attended a meeting with
the Minister of Health in October, 2010.
Lynne Sangster (Medicine Hat)
Lynne is a longtime volunteer and leader in her community of Medicine Hat. She has served as a Board
Member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society at both a provincial level and within her own Chapter since
1998. She currently serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Southeastern Alberta Chapter Board of
Directors. When asked to help the MS Society in other ways, Lynne is always there to help raise
awareness and needed funds through the Annual MS Carnation Campaign, Super Cities Walk and
other fundraisers. More recently, Lynne accepted the invitation to become one of our new MS Ambassadors
to help promote the mission of the Society as we make MS a top social, health and research priority
in Alberta and across Canada. Her passion to make a difference is because her family is affected by
MS as well. Lynne’s other leadership experience includes various other responsibilities like serving on
the Medicine Hat Hospital Board and the Palliser Health Authority over the past decade. As if this isn’t
enough, she finds time to volunteer for the Cancer Society, Medicine Hat Arts &Cultural Centre and the
Medicine Hat Women’s and Men’s Shelter.
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Doreen Saunderson (Calgary)
Doreen is a lawyer with Field LLP in Calgary. Her primary area of practice is insurance litigation. Doreen
is a member of the firm’s Insurance and Surety Service Group and the Health Law Service Group. She
has appeared before all levels of Court in Alberta and before administrative tribunals. Doreen has
assisted clients with various forms of alternate dispute resolution, including private mediation, judicial
mediation and arbitration, including work on a major international arbitration. Doreen has provided advice
and representation to insurers in relation to motor vehicle, property, commercial general liability and
professional liability policies, including defence of insured’s, pursuit of subrogated claims, coverage
opinions and defence of coverage actions. This work has included a wide variety of claims, including
claims relating to health care, professional services, transportation, construction and manufacturing or
design defects.
In addition, Doreen provides seminars to insurers relating to legal issues of interest to them. Doreen
has represented health care organizations, hospitals and their employees in respect of negligence
claims. She has also represented compensated sureties with respect to construction matters. Doreen
has also represented major oil companies and service companies in respect of commercial, tort and
environmental litigation. This has included both pursuing recovery on behalf of such companies and
defending claims against them. Doreen also acts for a variety of other clients on general litigation matters
including construction and builder’s liens matters and commercial lease litigation.
Doreen has been involved with a number of non-profit organizations sitting on a number of boards of
directors over the last two decades including the YWCA of Calgary, The Calgary Women’s Centre,
CLERC and CFSIDS as well as the MS Society of Canada, Alberta and Northwest Territories Division.
Jessica Williams (Calgary)
Jessica first became involved with the MS Society in 2003 shortly after being diagnosed. She began
by participating in the MS Walk, while her husband participated in the MS Bike Tour. In 2004 Jessica
became involved in the MS Global Dinner Party and has hosted one every year since. Her Global Dinner
Party is the most successful in the country. Jessica has been an MS Ambassador for two years and
recently attended the Advisory Committee with the
Heath Minster on CCSVI.
Jessica was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS in November, 2002. She is a mother of two young
girls aged three and four. She works from home as a mortgage broker. In August, 2010 Jessica made
the decision to travel to Germany for the “Liberation Treatment.” She did not go looking for a cure; rather,
she was seeking an improvement in her day-to-day quality of life. In that regard the treatment was a
success.
Jessica has a BA in English from the University of Calgary and has completed continuing education
classes in Journalism.
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36
2009 Awards
Alberta & NWT Division Awards
Presenting the awards is Suzanne Deschamps, Past Chair, Alberta & NWT Division
Development Volunteer Award
(Pat Stewart Award)
Darrel Frisken
Special Service Award
Elizabethan Catering
(No photo available)
Professional Care Award
Dr. Mary Lou Myles
(No photo available)
Board Chair’s Special Recognition Award
Gem School
Volunteer Award
(Joanne Robinson Award)
Robert Boychuk
(No photo available)
Communications Award
Priority Printing
(No photo available)

2009 Awards
Division Award of Merit: Non-member
Lloydminster Bobcats
Johanna Green (right), former Executive Director
of the MS Society’s Lloydminster Chapter, accepts
the award on behalf of the Lloydminster Bobcats
from Suzanne Deschamps, Past Chair, Alberta &
NWT Division.
National Awards
Evelyn Opal Award
Craig Anderson
Suzanne Deschamps, Past Chair, Alberta & NWT
Division, presents the award to Craig Anderson.
President’s Award - Division
Suzanne Deschamps
James Orr, Board Chair, MS Society, Alberta &
NWT Division, presents the award to Suzanne
Deschamps, Past Chair, Alberta & NWT Division.
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38
2010 Award Winners
Alberta & NWT Division
Special Service Award
Husky Energy
Board Chair’s Special Recognition Award
Johanna Green
Development Volunteer Award
(Pat Stewart Award)
Gail Plouffe
Communications Award
1310 CHLW (St. Paul)
KOOL 101.3 (Bonnyville)
K-Rock 95.3 (Cold Lake)
The Wolf 99.7 (Bonnyville)
National
President’s Award
Suzanne Deschamps
Professional Care Award
Dr. Ken Makus
Paul Scott Award
Lorraine Evans-Cross
Volunteer Award
Teresa Adams
Division Award of Merit - Member
Judy Gordon
Evelyn Opal Award
Bill Marsh

MS Facts
Alberta has one of the highest
rates of MS in the world.
Over 11,000 Albertans live with MS.
Between 55,000 and 75,000
Canadians have MS.
Approximately 1,000 new cases
of MS are diagnosed each year
in Canada.
MS Friendly Visiting Program
MS typically strikes individuals
between the ages of 15 and 40.
Children as young as three have
been diagnosed with MS.
Women are three times as likely
to be diagnosed with MS.
Albertans contribute twice as much
(per capita) to MS research than
any other province.
The MS Society’s Friendly Visiting program matches volunteers with people with MS living in long-term
care. Larissa (right) has been visiting Mary once a week for over a year.
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