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By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

New CEO to lead Assisted Living Alberta

Jul 23, 2025 | 3:18 PM

The provincial government has announced Gord Johnston will lead Assisted Living Alberta as it transforms how the province cares for aging and vulnerable Albertans.

After a nationwide competitive search, provincial officials say the CEO for Alberta’s transformative continuing care agency, Assisted Living Alberta, has been appointed. Effective Aug. 1, Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) will be led by long-time public servant and affordable housing executive, Gord Johnston.

The government says Gord Johnston has dedicated his professional life in service of Albertans. Most recently, Johnston served as CEO of Civida, the largest provider of affordable homes in northern Alberta, helping to ensure families have access to safe, affordable housing and rental supports. Prior to his work with Civida, the province says Johnston spent 25 years working in executive roles in public service to Albertans, including as Assistant Deputy Minister of both Child and Family Services and Advanced Education.

“Gord has a long track record of service to this province and helping vulnerable people,” states Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “His experience, dedication and compassion make him the perfect fit for this role guiding Assisted Living Alberta into the future. I’d also like to thank Dr. Zielke for her incredible work as interim CEO of ALA, and for continuing to lend us her expertise during this transition.”

“I am honoured to be chosen for this position and excited for the opportunity to help build the best assisted living system in the country,” shares Gord Johnston, CEO, Assisted Living Alberta. “Assisted Living Alberta will expand services and ensure Albertans everywhere can access the care they need. I’m looking forward to working with all the dedicated team members and partners that make up Alberta’s assisted living sector.”

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Officials say Dr. Sayeh Zielke, who served as ALA’s interim CEO and chair of the ALA transition committee, will move into a new role as executive chair of the Assisted Living Alberta board. The government says interim CEO, Dr. Zielke led the establishment of the agency and forged critical relationships with stakeholders that are key to the success and continued excellence of Alberta’s assisted living system.

“It has been my honour to lead Assisted Living Alberta through these early days of planning and transition as we build a system that is easier to navigate and truly centered on individuals, caregivers and families,” adds Dr. Sayeh Zielke, interim CEO and chair of the Transition Committee, Assisted Living Alberta. “I look forward to working closely with Mr. Johnston and continuing to work with Minister Nixon in my new role.”

Once operational in fall 2025, the government says Assisted Living Alberta will provide Albertans access to a comprehensive system of continuing care with a full range of wraparound services, including medical and non-medical supports, continuing care homes, home care, community care and social services.

Officials say this transition will allow the province to place a holistic social service lens on assisted living services to deliver care more effectively and consistently throughout the province. By taking this approach, it’s expected that individuals and families will have more options when they need care and as their needs evolve, helping older adults and vulnerable populations maintain their quality of life and independence.

Alberta government quick facts

• Assisted Living Alberta will support older adults, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness and vulnerable Albertans in accessing care when and where they need it.
• Over the next 10 years, the demand for assisted living services in Alberta is projected to grow by 80 per cent.
  • In 20 years, one in five Albertans will be 65 years of age or older.
• Assisted Living Alberta is part of the transformation of Alberta’s health care system and is the fourth provincial health agency, alongside Recovery Alberta, Acute Care Alberta and Primary Care Alberta.