In 1940, with the authorization of the Archbishop of Edmonton, three RHSJ from Chatham, N. B. arrived in Barrhead, about 150 km. north-west of Edmonton to open a small, 30 bed, hospital. Seven years later, the sisters returned to Chatham where their services were required. The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Pembroke, Ontario, took over the administration of the hospital.

At the request of the population of Whitelaw, who wanted a Catholic hospital, the religious authorities of the Diocese of Grouard began negotiations with religious communities. The RHSJ of Hotel Dieu, Windsor, responded to their appeal and three sisters arrived in Whitelaw on March 15, 1950.

However, the Minister of Health, who was not consulted, did not see the necessity of a new hospital. The Sisters only obtained permission to build a hospice of 40 beds for elderly persons and chronic care patients. About 27 sisters worked in this mission until its closure in 1978 because of aging and a lack of younger sisters.

Requested by Bishop Henri Routhier, of the Diocese of Grouard, four RHSJ arrived in McLennan on November 22, 1967, to take charge of Notre Dame du Lac Nursing Home, a property of the diocese. Twelve sisters would work in this nursing home until its closure in March 1982.