As a national charity dedicated to supporting those living with multiple sclerosis, the Ms Canada Prairie team plays a crucial role in advocacy, research, and providing essential resources to the MS community. We sat down with their Senior Director of Community, Mona Bates to learn more about their mission, the work they do right here in Saskatchewan, and what it means to be part of a coworking community like Path.
What kind of work does the MS Canada team do in the Prairies?
MS Canada is a nationwide charity that provides a variety of programs and services across the country, including right here in Saskatchewan. One of our key services is the MS Knowledge Network, available in both English and French, which connects people with highly trained MS Navigators who provide information and support via phone, email, or live chat. We also offer peer support programs, both virtual and in-person, and several active support groups across the province.
Locally, we provide Quality of Life Grants and support programs like NeuroSask, a virtual program tailored to people with neurological conditions, offering physiotherapy-guided movement, expert health and wellness advice, and social connection. We also proudly support groundbreaking MS research happening right here in Saskatchewan.
Can you tell us more about MS Canada's mission and how the Saskatchewan team contributes to this?
MS Canada has a bold vision: a world free of multiple sclerosis. Our mission is to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change. Everything we do is centered around community—whether it’s collaborating on advocacy efforts, hosting peer support groups, or fundraising for research, we are always working together to take action.
What motivated MS Canada to choose Path as your home base?
Community is at the heart of everything we do, and Path provides the perfect environment for collaboration, awareness-building, and connection. As a small team in Regina, we needed a welcoming, accessible space that could accommodate both day-to-day work and larger events. Path checked all those boxes for us!
What are some tips for companies looking to create a more inclusive and accessible workspace for individuals with MS or other health conditions?
Prioritize accessibility – Ensure workspaces are physically accessible and adaptable to various needs.
Practice empathy – Avoid making assumptions and be open to learning about different experiences.
Listen to your team – The best way to build an inclusive environment is to ask those who need it most what would help them feel supported.
How has coworking at Path impacted the MS Canada team?
Path has allowed us to collaborate in a more flexible and welcoming way. The variety of meeting spaces and communal areas makes it easy to connect, and the energy of the space itself keeps us inspired. Whether we’re hosting a casual coffee meet-up or a larger event, Path makes it effortless.
What’s one thing—either industry-related or not—that your team has learned recently?
We’ve always known that our community is incredibly generous and resilient, but we were reminded of this in December when 620CKRM hosted its 36th annual Musical Christmas Card for MS. Due to the Canada Post mail strike, we weren’t sure how donations would be affected. But the Saskatchewan community showed up in a big way, finding ways to donate and drop off on-site support despite the challenges. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and generosity of the people we serve.
Internal view, MS Canada - Prairie team suite, Path Basecamp 1911 Broad St. Regina, SK | Photo: Tandem X Visuals
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives our readers should keep an eye out for?
Looking ahead to 2025, May is MS Awareness Month, and we’ll have several opportunities to get involved! Keep an eye out for details on May 50K, the MS Walk, and other community events that bring people together to support MS research and awareness.
We’re incredibly proud to have MS Canada as part of the Path #CommunityAtWork. Their commitment to advocacy, research, and support makes a real difference in the lives of those affected by MS on the prairies, and across Canada. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, check out their work at MS Canada.
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