Keep the General Hospital Open Committee

FROM: "Keep the General Hospital Open Committee"
203-7A Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2T 5A4
Telephone (403) 264-1368 Fax (403) 266-4183

TO: Members of the Legislative Assembly

RE: DO YOU SUPPORT WHAT YOUR GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES HAS DONE TO HEALTH CARE IN CALGARY?

As an elected member of the legislature you are aware that health care, not only in Calgary, but throughout the province is the number one election issue. As an MLA you are cognizant of health care administration by your particular health authority. Since each health authority is autonomous and administered differently the attached letter, which has been sent to all members of Parliament is being forwarded to you so that you, as well will be informed relative to the health care issues in Calgary.

The purpose of the letter outlined "Will you be responsible for the Privatization and abolition of Universal Health Care in Canada?" was twofold. First and foremost it was to remind M.P.'s that health care transfer payments to the provinces must not be cut, and that control of health care mustnot be turned over to the provinces, despite what premiers say. Canadians value a health care system that is universal and with equal access to all.

The second purpose of the letter was to give M.P.'s an overview of how health care is being managed by the Calgary Regional Health Authority (CRHA). The RHA's were created by the government and as such the government is responsible for all the decisions made by these bodies. Decisions made by this body and by the legislature have created the beginnings of privatized two tiered health care that emulates th American model. The premier has admitted the obvious, that there was no health care planning aside from cutting. At anytime the premier, cabinet, and health minister could have interceded to stop the erosion of health care. This was not done. Instead money is now being put into health care to "ease the pressure points"further compounding the lack of planning. Proper public and professional participation in the initial stages prior to the cutbacks would have prevented the health system from being thrown into chaos.

I urge you to read and consider the material in the attached letter. Is this the health care system that you as an elected official support for Calgarians and Albertans? As an MLA you have a responsibility to not only your constituents, but to all Albertans to ensure that health care in this province will not be further privatized along the American model. All Albertans deserve equal access to a carefully planned universal health care system throughout the province.

cc: All M.L.A.'s

cc: All proposed Calgary Candidates