HEALTHCARE CRISIS IN ALBERTA
HEALTHCARE CRISIS IN ALBERTA
ALSO SEE:
Private - vs - Public Health Care
Defend Public Health Care In Alberta
Yahoo Coverage of Canadian Health Crisis
STORIES ARCHIVE Pressure Points Calgary Health Care Crisis
STOP BILL 37
Halvar Jonson said Wednesday that he will revive the former Bill 37 The bill that would clear the way for private for profit hospitals.
He has also stated that he will allow the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta to proceed with their meeting Friday to discuss approval of accreditation standards for private for profit hospitals.
It is vital that Albertans speak out yet again !!
Contact Ralph Klein Phone: 780-427-2251
Fax: 780-427-1349
email: altatalk@gov.ab.ca
AND
Halvar Jonson
Minister of Health
Phone: 780-427-3665
Fax: 780-415-0961
Tell them you that the only bill you will support is one that bans private for profit hospitals.
Tell them that you protest the use of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Council to gain back door approval to private for profit hospitals.
RITE Operator assistance for toll free calls: 310-0000
Please see our newsrelease and letter to Halvar Jonson for more details. Please watch your e mail for further developments. We will keep you posted. Any questions, please send me an email or call John Kolkman at 415-1800. Marilyn Hooper Outreach - New Democrat Caucus (780) 415-1803 phone (780) 415-0701 fax
FRIENDS OF MEDICARE
Government of Alberta Health Summit to be held in Calgary Calgary on February 25, 26 and 27
Here's your chance to say "NO" to Private Health Care.
And prove the Tories realy 'don't listen or care'.
Albertans fear for future of health care - survey
Health meeting looks for ideas to get Alberta system off the critical list
Getting Alberta's embattled health-care system off the critical list will take more than what may emerge from a government-sponsored conference on its future, says a spokeswoman for the province's largest nurses' union. Pauline Worsfold, executive officer for the United Nurses of Alberta, said the union welcomes the chance to discuss what ails the system. But after witnessing years of cuts by the Ralph Klein government, nurses remain suspicious of this week's conference.
Klein, Jonson deny charge meeting orchestrated by gov't
The Alberta government insists this weekend's health summit in Calgary was not orchestrated simply to improve its image on health issues.
An Internet site that auctions glamorous models' ova to the highest bidder proves the pressing need for reproductive technology legislation in Canada, say prominent ethicists here this weekend for a bioethics conference. "We need laws that impose limits so we don't go down the path where we're commodifying human life," said Dr. Susan Sherwin, an ethicist from Halifax's Dalhousie University, before a lecture that launched the Canadian Bioethics Society's annual conference.
Canadian Bioethics Society Annual Conference. 11th Annual Canadian Bioethics Society Conference Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 28 -31 October 1999 Westin Hotel "Health Ethics: The Global Context".
New Democrat Leader Pam Barrett revealed today that legal action against her and the New Democrats is being threatened by the HRG Health Resource Group. HRG has been trying for the past two and a half years to open Alberta's first private for-profit hospital in the former Grace Hospital in Calgary.
New Democrat Leader Pam Barrett expressed disappointment that the HRG Health Resource Group has followed through on its threat to sue her and the provincial New Democratic Party. "It's unfortunate that HRG didn't keep this in the political realm where it belongs. But now that a lawsuit is a reality, I am giving notice that the New Democrats will not be muzzled on an issue of such urgent public importance as whether private for-profit hospitals should be allowed in Alberta," she said.
ND Leader Pam Barrett will find herself in court over comments dating back to 1997 about a private, for-profit health care operation. Calgary-based Health Resource Group is suing Barrett for damages, contending she made several defamatory comments about the group trying to put a private health facility in Calgary.
Four years after the Grace Hospital became a victim of health care cuts, it could soon be reborn as an answer to Calgary's acute care bed crunch. The Salvation Army has sold the 73-year-old former women's hospital to a company that hopes to win a contract to provide up to 70 long-term care beds to take pressure off Calgary's public hospitals. Healthchoice Corp. hopes to use the facility for a variety of medical uses including alternative health care, physiotherapy and seniors housing, says spokesman Jim Viccars.
Despite financial crises and oil price shocks which dwarfed anything Alberta experienced and privatization campaigns which would terrify any nationalist, Mexico's ambassador to Canada declared Friday his country will stay the course. Globalization and privatization can reap immense benefits for the peoples of any nation, Ezequiel Padilla said Friday following a luncheon hosted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. "Privatizing a larger amount of the health care system including hospitals -- we're looking into that as well," said Padilla, who served as an economist with both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank before becoming a diplomat.
Patients in for tests taking up 'badly needed hospital beds'
Immigrants' health at risk over lack of translators Group claims diagnoses 'not properly made'
A dire shortage of professionally-trained interpreters in health-care facilities is translating into life-threatening situations for new Canadians, says the chief executive officer of the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society. Due to language and cultural barriers, Hadassah Ksienski said it's often a matter of life and death before immigrants are properly diagnosed.
Medical specialty services at Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Hospital - affecting patients throughout northwestern Alberta - will be decimated if proposed budget cuts proceed warn the region's doctors. Physicians were made aware September 9 of a proposal for QEII budget cuts involving major bed closures to the maternity, psychiatry and surgery units and merging of the pediatric unit with an adult ward.
Tories may trim number of health boards Efficiencies eyed
Better health to save money Health authority says call for 6,000 beds is exaggerated
Alberta doctors 'bullying' abortion patients
Complaints over stalling have familiar ring -- pro-choice groups
LABOUR HISTORY MADE TODAY: CANADIAN HEALTH CARE GUILD VOTES TO JOIN AUPE
Bow Valley Centre gone, but the dust hasn't settled
One year after the Bow Valley Centre was blown up in spectacular fashion the dust is still swirling on the merits of demolishing the downtown city hospital. A fight in the courts to prevent the site being used for any other use hasn't even begun. A $500-million lawsuit by the Friends of the Calgary General Hospital Society alleging the land was given in trust for hospital use is being finalized by lawyers on all sides.
CHAAA hears defence of medicare
The growing talk of private hospitals could be steering the Canadian health care system towards that of its sister country to the south, said Michael Rachlis, a health consultant. Such a move would mean Canadian society itself could be molded into a little Americana, where health care seems reserved for the rich. Such a system where social equality is oceans apart, would increase crime and produce an unhealthy and unproductive population, said Rachlis. "Societies which are more equal are healthier," he said. "Public health care is . . . also more efficient." Rachlis was one speaker at the Catholic Health Association of Alberta and Affiliates' convention, Sept 30-Oct. 1.
Klein blasts MDs on hospitals issue Regulatory college shunted dispute back to government
The whole issue of approving private hospitals has been thrown back into the hands of the Alberta government. The province's medical regulatory body Friday postponed a decision whether to approve standards for private hospitals, arguing it's up to the province to set policy legislation first.
Alberta doctors refuse to rule on private hospital
Hospital standards issue needs full debate, not furtive actions
Alberta creating private hospitals: critics
Registrar steers clear of private hospitals debate
The head of Alberta's medical standards body says it's none of his business whether the province introduces for-profit hospitals. "I'm not going to get involved in the politics here," Dr. Larry Ohlhauser, registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, said yesterday. This Friday, the college meets to set operating standards for a new class of private-sector medical facility - one that offers overnight stays for serious surgical procedures.
Dinning blames growth for deficit Info technology left out of calculation
A booming population and an embarrassing accounting glitch helped double Calgary Regional Health Authority's projected deficit in the past few months to $52.4 million, its chairman said Wednesday.
Alberta cancer centre may fly patients to U.S. Treatment delay gives tumours time to spread in body
Long-term-care resident Henry Skarlicki is furious he'll be forced to move from the town where he's lived all his life. The 72-year-old, eight other residents and the staff of Our Lady's Health Centre in Vilna were told this week that the centre will close because of budget cuts.
Cancer treatments delayed by staff shortage
Nation short of MDs, say top docs And it's going to get worse
Health system slipping badly, says incoming AMA president
Feisty seniors win fight with hospital to stay in their rooms
Albertans wait longest for MRIs, brain surgery
Hospital 'bursting at seams,' say MDs
Doctors at Rockyview Hospital say they can't keep up with the needs of a growing population in Calgary's southwest.
RNs looking to bolster their image: AARN head
Reducing health premiums not top priority, Treasurer Day says
Alberta families are digging deeper into their own pockets for health care than any other Canadians, according to a new Statistics Canada report.
Alberta Health wants to be judged long-term Government says critics misrepresent targets
Alberta Health should be judged over the long term on meeting its various performance measures, rather than condemned for failing to meet health targets on an annual basis, says department spokesperson Garth Norris.
RHA not holding out hope for cash infusion: Simpson
Capital Health to add 388 more staff
The Capital Health Authority delivered its biggest-ever budget Wednesday, promising to hire more nurses, reduce waiting lists, add more hospital beds and improve overall patient care. Sheila Weatherill, Capital Health's chief executive officer, said the 1999-2000 budget of $1.15 billion -- $90 million more than last year -- won't please everyone. But compared with previous budgets, it won't hurt as much, she said. Weatherill said public expectations are high, but they must be balanced with what the authority can afford. "It feels like a good balance this year." The authority plans to add 388 new full-time equivalent positions, 295 of which will be in nursing. Those numbers are subject to two variables: the impact of the Year 2000 computer bug and current contract negotiations with nurses.
The 1999-2000 Mistahia Health Region budget will be further delayed until next month. The budget and business plan were on the Mistahia board's agenda Thursday, but both items were tabled to the June 17 meeting in Grande Cache. "We just got the business plan in our agenda and we haven't had a chance to talk about it as a board," said Mistahia chairman John Simpson. "On the budget side, there are still some issues about trying to balance it. We haven't resolved those yet." Health Minister Halvar Jonson promised $386 million in new health spending in March, but also requested that all 17 regional health authorities turn in balanced budgets for the 1999-2000 year. The funding increase, which translated to a minimum three per cent increase to each health authority, garnered Mistahia an extra $3.9 million this year. "What we're looking at now is how to spend that money," explained Simpson. "We've got our deficit to pay off, salary increases, union negotiations and a number of other targets." Last year, Mistahia had a $850,000 deficit.
Leadership' Theme Of Alberta Registered Nurses Annual Meeting
The Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN) invites all media to attend its 1999 Annual General Meeting to be held May 6, 1999 at the Ramada Inn and Conference Centre (11830 Kingsway Ave.) in Edmonton. Scheduled four days before the start of National Nursing Week (May 10-16), the meeting will concentrate on this year's theme Registered Nurses: Leaders in Health.
'Patient care comes first' for top nurses Annual awards recognize two in the field that stand out
In her 42 years of maternity nursing, Ging Aquino helped deliver a lot of children into the world. She doesn't remember all of their names, but over the years she's kept a special feeling about them. "It's nice to watch somebody being born," said Aquino, 66. "I feel like a grandmother every time it happens." That commitment was recognized Thursday as Aquino received one of two nurse-of-the-year awards at the QEII Hospital. The awards have been handed out annually at the hospital since 1991. Thursday's presentation was part of National Nursing Week activities that will continue through the weekend. Two categories are honoured - one encompassing registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses; the other, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants.
State of nursing deplored but 'problems' easing International Nurses' Day
Health-care cutbacks have resulted in less time for patients, say nurses who gathered Wednesday to mark International Nurses' Day, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, and to mourn the current state of their profession. "The nursing I went into 30 years ago is not what I'm doing today," said Beryl Scott, vice-president of Local 79 of the United Nurses of Alberta. "I'm not able to care for people in the way I did even 10 years ago." Staffing levels constitute a major issue in the negotiations between nurses and the province, which are currently in mediation. Bev Dick, vice-president of United Nurses of Alberta, said few permanent jobs are being posted, despite Premier Ralph Klein's promise to create 700 new nursing positions. But the need is there, she said. Nurses are being asked to work a lot of overtime and close to 40 per cent of the nursing workforce is now casual, double what it was before the cuts. That lack of secure employment is driving nurses right of the province, she said.
'Lost generation of nurses' threatens health care system
Alberta's nursing workforce will go through a major experience drain if its aging trend continues unabated, says the head of a provincial nursing group. Lorraine Way, president of the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses, said staffing cutbacks in the mid-1990s have decimated the age group that was supposed to replace the one closing in on retirement. "We've lost a generation of nurses," she said. "We had nurses who were laid off so many times they said, 'forget it, I'm going to sell life insurance.'" The average age of nurses in Alberta is still hovering around 45 years. A big reason for that is because between 1993 and 1995, 3,100 nurses in Alberta did not renew their AARN registration. Many of those people were in their late 20s and early 30s, noted May.
HEADWATERS HEALTHCARE SUPPORT STAFF REACH COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT MONDAY MAY 10
Striking workers in the Headwaters Health Region have overwhelmingly ratified a Tentative Agreement to bring an end to over three years of bargaining and a 3-week strike. A solid majority of the almost 100 Community Health Support staff, members of the ALBERTA UNION OF PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES voted in favour of the Agreement that was reached between negotiators for the Union and the Headwaters Health Authority late Saturday. They had walked off the job on April 19th to protest lack of progress in talks that began in the Spring of 1996. Staff Negotiator Jackie Hill believes that the Provincial Health Authorities must take a large part of the blame for the three-year impasse in negotiations.
Klein accused of sneaking in private hospitals
Alberta is trying to approve controversial private, for-profit hospitals through the back door, New Democrat Leader Pam Barrett charged Thursday. Barrett accused Premier Ralph Klein of leaving the matter to the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, which is currently determining what services may be offered in private clinics. "Why is the government content to let the college do through the back door -- that is, accredit private, for-profit hospitals -- instead of declaring one way or the other whether private hospitals are allowed or off-limits?" Her criticism comes one day after Premier Ralph Klein admitted he may not bring forward legislation to cover the matter.
New Democrat Leader Pam Barrett questioned the government today, asking who is setting Alberta’s fiscal policy. "It’s a striking pattern really. Every time Premier Harris announces a tax cut for residents of Ontario inevitably, Premier Klein or Treasurer Day follow suit and announce they will meet or beat that tax cut," Barrett said. These tax cuts are being pursued with ideological fervor at the cost of important services such as health and education, Barrett charged.
New Democrat MLA Raj Pannu called on the Conservative government to stop stalling by making a firm commitment to public funding of midwifery services. "Unfortunately, due to this government’s inaction, the few midwives still left in this province, along with those Albertans who wish to access their services, have very little to celebrate tomorrow on the International Day of the Midwife," he said.
Doctor US bound, blames politics
A home-grown young doctor who asked to move back to Fort McMurray, Alberta to work is moving to the United States in June. Dr. Corey Boyce is heading for Minnesota to work in a clinic there, citing "political," problems here as the reason for his departure. "I was warned this is the most difficult region to work in. But my family and friends were here," he explained of wanting to be in Fort McMurray after completing his residency in Calgary last year. "The RHA is impossible. I can't take it anymore. Being young and unmarried I can leave." Boyce said he first butted heads with the Northern Lights Regional Health Authority when he wrote to them in February, 1997 to see if there was a recruitment package here. He said no one from the health board responded to his inquiry, although officials stated later there needed to be a province-wide solution to doctor shortages. Last year he was offered a one-year incentive package but when he asked for a three-year package, Boyce said Northern Lights CEO Dalton Russell turned him down and sparked his move south.
Private MRI clinic scans for paying patients
Edmonton's new private MRI clinic has launched an information blitz aimed at patients with $750 to spend on a diagnostic scan after the high-tech scanner opens the week of April 26. "If you have a medical condition that you feel may warrant an MRI scan, you can discuss this with a physician," says an article that Medical Imaging Consultants is sending to media outlets in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
Former cabinet minister to run Calgary hospitals
Former Alberta treasurer Jim Dinning was named the new chairperson of the board of Calgary Regional Health Authority Tuesday. Dinning replaces Dr. John Morgan, who will remain as a board member. Chief executive officer Paul Rushforth leaves with a six-figure financial package. "Today is a day for the authority to start a new beginning," Dinning told a news conference. He said the board will work to implement recommendations from a recent organizational review. That report blasted the Calgary authority for micromanagement, lack of communication with staff and the public, and failing to involve doctors in decisions.
Alberta RNs Oppose Use of Unregulated Health Care Workers in Risky Procedures
The proposed Health Professions Act will put every Albertan at risk if allowed to pass as is, says Lorraine Way, president of the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN). The Act, which goes before the House for second reading tomorrow, contains serious weaknesses in areas describing the use of unregulated workers. The issue has to do with the role of unregulated health care workers (such as ward aides, ward clerks, patient care attendants or nursing attendants) who may be asked to carry out a restricted activity (such as injections, vaccinations, giving blood products or suctioning).
Administrative cuts could interrupt service at a Bonnyville chemotherapy clinic, making patients drive three hours to Edmonton. The Bonnyville hospital has only two registered nurses trained to do front-line chemotherapy work. Both will move on when the Lakeland Regional Health Authority eliminates 30 administration jobs March 31, Dr. Guy Lamoureux said Thursday.
Mistahia crafting a comprehensive plan to cure what's ailing it: Simpson
A cure for budget shortfalls, frontline staff shortages, lengthy wait times and dated medical equipment will be formulated by Mistahia Regional Health Authority staff over the next month, says board chairman John Simpson. "The question we're trying to grapple with is how do we balance all those expectations and all those demands," says Simpson. "We just don't know how we're going to do that yet and we'll be crunching the numbers over the next month or so before we finalize our budget." The province told regional health authorities Tuesday to use newly announced provincial budget money to hire 1,000 new front-line health-care workers. Mistahia has been directed to hire 16 new staff.
Health Employers Want Deal: First Two Weeks of April Set Aside for Bargaining
The Calgary Regional Health Authority took two hits on Friday. It announced the departure of a top official on the same day the premier admonished it for saying the province's budget allotment is not enough.
Doctors unhappy over fee hikes
It all boils down to an average two-per-cent fee increase, as the Alberta Medical Association contract increases to $914 million in the second year of their two-year contract. With population growth and extra services factored in, the budget is up $49.9 million starting, April 1. Not everyone gets the same because the Alberta Medical Association -- which administers the province's fee-for-service medicare budget -- is raising fees selectively in an attempt to create incentives for better care and address fee inequities. The risk is creating conflict between specialties if some doctors feel they haven't been treated fairly, said Dr. Steve Chambers, who represents all Edmonton physicians.
Health authority offers new deal to Camrose hospital staff
A tentative agreement was reached with the East Central Regional Health Authority Wednesday, averting a possible illegal strike at St. Mary's Hospital in Camrose. The two-year deal increases salaries by three per cent each year. Other details will be released after the 70 support staff meet March 23 to discuss and vote on it, said Alberta Union of Public Employees president Dan MacLennan.
Bidders line up for paramedic contract
If Alberta Health gives Air Mikisew the contract for air medivac paramedic services from Fort McMurray, the small flight company wants to be prepared.The fire department wants out of its paramedic contract due to a chronic shortage of paramedic staff. Fire Chief Harvey Marchand told Today earlier there would be no jolts in service and it may be easier for a contractor to hire paramedics than his department, which requires medical staff to be dual trained as firefighters. The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2494 said four or five members are also putting in a bid to run the medivac service. New front-line health workers on the wa
Alberta's regional health authorities were directed Tuesday to use extra provincial budget money to hire 1,000 new front-line health-care workers. The announcement means eight extra positions for the Northern Lights Regional Health Authority.
Health spending to rise by $1B
AUPE President Draws the Line on Health Care Concessions
The President of the ALBERTA UNION OF PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES has made it clear that he intends to draw the line on concessions in the health services sector at the St. Mary's Hospital in Camrose. Bargaining for about 80 members of AUPE Local 057/016 reached an impasse last week, because the East Central Regional Health Authority was demanding concessions. As a result, Union members voted on Thursday to give their bargaining committee whatever support it needed to get the concession demands off the table.
Doctors demand answers on official's departure
Doctors at Foothills Hospital demanded answers Saturday on why a senior official they say fought for better patient care left his position Friday. And they're asking why acute care senior operating officer John King has left before a team of high-powered outside consultants has completed a review of the way the Calgary Regional Health Authority is run. The review is expected to be completed in a week or so. "Doctors felt John King was an advocate for good patient care and adequate funding," said Dr. John Klassen, president of the 800-strong medical staff association at Foothills Hospital, where King worked.
Patients without Medicare cards problem for MDs
Alberta patients can be turned away from doctors' offices if they are among 250,000 provincial residents unable to prove they pay medicare premiums. Physicians say they face a bureaucratic maze when they seek payment for patients without valid Alberta Health cards because government officials freeze their fees.
A tentative agreement was reached with the East Central
Regional Health Authority Wednesday, averting a possible
illegal strike at St. Mary's Hospital in Camrose.
The two-year deal increases salaries by three per cent each
year. Other details will be released after the 70 support staff
meet March 23 to discuss and vote on it, said Alberta Union
of Public Employees president Dan MacLennan.
Health care workers in East Central Alberta warned Thursday that their
contract negotiations are threatened by employer attempts to impose
concessions. Dan MacLennan, president of the ALBERTA UNION OF
PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES, said the members of AUPE Local
057/016, St Mary's Hospital Camrose, reacted angrily when they
learned the East Central Regional Health Authority wanted them to take
rollbacks in their current round of negotiations.
Contract Negotiations Threatened in East Central
Alberta
Health care workers in East Central Alberta warned Thursday that their contract negotiations are threatened by employer attempts to impose concessions. Dan MacLennan, president of the ALBERTA UNION OF PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES, said the members of AUPE Local 057/016, St Mary's Hospital Camrose, reacted angrily when they learned the East Central Regional Health Authority wanted them to take rollbacks in their current round of negotiations.
AUPE LOOKING FOR GOOD NEWS IN BUDGET
Private MRI a magnet for debate about care
Cash expected to heal waiting lists
Patients will see shorter waiting times for life-saving surgeries due to a $1-billion injection into health care over the next three years, says Premier Ralph Klein.
Increase will stabilize system -- AMA
Albertans can expect faster access to better hospital services because of a $386-million increase in health-care spending, medical professionals said Tuesday. "I am impressed. This looks like a very significant reinvestment," said Dr. Rowland Nichol, president of the Alberta Medical Association.
Secondary care services next casualty of system failure
Secondary care services in the Mistahia Health Region will be torn apart if QE II Hospital specialists start pulling up stakes due to chronic holes in the system, says a city alderman working to stem the threat. "We're just so lucky to have them here and we could blow it," says Ald. Carol-Lee Eckhardt, chairwoman of the action group for secondary care services in northwestern Alberta. A gaping Grande Prairie nursing shortage is currently causing delays in surgery and aggravation for surgeons at the hospital.
Province's RNs ready to walk if contract negotiations fail
Grande Prairie's nursing crunch might give leverage to RNs now trying to negotiate a new contract, says the United Nurses of Alberta northern district representative.
RNs urged to change health care
Health care is in revolution around the world and patients will be better off if registered nurses help shape the changes, an adviser to four U.S. presidents told an Edmonton audience Thursday. Hospitals are expensive so patient care will continue to shift into the community, Dr. Mary Harper told a long-term care conference organized by the United Nurses of Alberta.
Health concerns raised at mini-summit
Added conditions almost brought about a strike by PREMS workers
Alarm bells rang through Peace Regional Emergency Medical Services newly unionized workforce last week after management voted to conditionally approve a collective agreement. PREMS' 25 Health Sciences Association of Alberta members ratified the proposed agreement Feb. 9. The board voted on the package Feb. 23, agreeing to the proposals on condition of some wording changes in three clauses. While weekend negotiations resulted in the ratification of a collective agreement by both parties, the union called the board's move a rejection of the offer, not a ratification. "We're just flabbergast. They are reneging on their own proposals. We've been doing this (negotiating collective agreements) since 1971 and I've never seen anything like it," HSAA president Elisabeth Ballermann told the Record-Gazette prior to the weekend's negotiations. The union still had a strike mandate, she said.
Peace ambulance workers reach a deal after all
Union laments loss of paramedic positions in Fort McMurray
WestView Health mired in red ink
While the Premier's Health Summit takes place in Calgary, negotiating teams representing health service workers in over 70 bargaining units of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees will be meeting in Edmonton to hammer out policy and strategy for the major round of bargaining that is beginning this month.
Mass Firing Raises Issues says AUPE
Dismissal of the Board of Lakeland Health Authority by the Alberta Government not solution to problems the goverment created says AUPE President
Lakeland Board Firings Confirm Farce of Regional Health Authorities Appointments
Health Minister Fires Lakeland Health Authority for refusing to accept Bed Closures
Archived stories from the Edmonton Journal
Citizens' group supports board dismissal
Alberta's Health Employers Offer 4.5% Raise to Facility Nurses
The Lakeland Regional Health Authority can save millions of dollars by getting rid of 100 administrators, says the consultant who recommended dismissing the regional board.
The final report of Health Summit '99 makes it clear
Albertans don't want to experiment with two-tier medicine or
private hospitals, says chair Harley Johnson.
And the Alberta values expressed by the summit may be at
odds with the government's recent Bill 37 review, because the
provincially appointed review panel left the door open to
private hospitals, he told The Journal on Thursday.
Alberta government cabinet ministers say they're not buying
former premier Don Getty's suggestion they've blundered by
cutting too much from health and education spending.
Some ministers said they were surprised and disappointed that
Getty, who was succeeded by Premier Ralph Klein in 1992,
chose to deliver a stinging attack on the handling of two key
social policies Wednesday in Ottawa shortly before he was
awarded the Order of Canada.
Health reform at risk, says government panel Province has lost sense of urgency
he province is letting health reform languish, raising the prospect of a further crisis in the system, says a government-appointed monitoring council. At the same time, the overwhelming majority of Albertans are concerned about existing hospital and other health services, the Provincial Health Council of Alberta reported Thursday. In the case of hospital services, a survey for the council found 88 per cent of respondents were concerned. Most also had worries about all other health sectors, particularly home care, mental health services and long-term care.
Graydon not ready to initiate any anti-Bill 37 action
An injection of opposition to Bill 37 from the City of Grande Prairie could help kill the proposed health care legislation, says a local businessman. "Bill 37 would be the beginning of a two-tiered system not only in Alberta but throughout the country," local paramedic and Enviro-Store owner Leon Pendleton told members of council this week. But Mayor Gord Graydon said later council is not prepared at this point to take any aggressive anti-Bill 37 action.
Barrett targets Bill 37, Liberals
New Democrat Leader Pam Barrett came out swinging against Bill 37 and the Opposition Liberals at the party's policy convention though Liberals share her party's contempt for a bill they say will privatize health care. She told about 250 delegates at the three-day convention that the Liberals, particularly their leader, have been inconsistent on health care and privatization.
Alberta health bill a slippery slope - critics
Canada's $80-billion health industry could be open to an American takeover if Alberta approves a for-profit hospital in Calgary, say critics of the plan. They believe United States corporations will be free to invade the Canadian market now shielded by the North American Free Trade Agreement. "If you open the door to setting up a corporate-style hospital to a group of Canadian investors, you have to open the door to any U.S. company or investors that come along and want to do the same thing," said John Kolkman, a researcher for the NDP.
Health groups fear Canada moving to privatize health system
If you want to make a defender of public health care nervous, just announce that the ratio of public-to-private spending on health care has slipped past 70 to 30. It's sort of a magic number many use to measure the move toward separate health systems for the rich and the poor. The OECD standard is 75 to 25. The ratio in the United States is 40 to 60. "If you start spending more than 30 before you know it you'll be spending 40 and you'll entering an area that we really don't want to, namely closer to the American way of doing things," said Sharon Sholzberg-Gray, president of the Canadian Health Association.
Help save Medicare before it's too late!
This is the latest and best information that we have thus far:
The Bill 37 debate began on Monday, November 16. It was debated into the night and adjourned to re-appear Wednesday , November 18 at 8 p.m.
Pam Barrett has proposed a Sub-Amendment to Bill 37 that should put it all to rest:
(3) No operator of a treatment facility that is the subject of a subsisting or future approval shall provide or permit to be provided at the facility a medical service of an intrusive nature that requires an overnight patient stay at such facility.
This debate will continue at 8 p.m. on Wednesday November 18, 1998. Our Research Director, John Kolkman says to "bring your pajamas!"
Please come down and help us to pack the galleries - we need your support! We need to stare down at the govenment and make them feel even more nervous than they already do about this Bill.
Please pass this message onto everyone and anyone. - we NEED plenty of bodies in the gallery.
Remember, you do not need to call ahead for a reservation nor do you need to stop into the ND offices - just proceed up to the 4th floor and Visitor Services will greet you and take care of you from there.
We will supply the coffee.....
ND Caucus 415-1803
Click here for more information on this campaign to save public health care in Alberta.
VICTORY BILL 37 WITHDRAWN (AGAIN)
Gov't retreats on private hospital bill
A controversial bill regulating private hospitals has been withdrawn by the Alberta government until health and legal experts can examine it. Bill 37 -- which would give the health minister the final say in approving or rejecting private health facilities -- was introduced last spring. But the government moved slowly on it after receiving thousands of letters from concerned Albertans.
Bill 37 critics not honest, Klein says
Premier Ralph Klein took aim Monday at critics who claim his government's new rules for private health facilities pave the way for for-profit hospitals. Klein said opponents to Bill 37 -- the Health Statutes Amendment Act -- are spreading misinformation about the legislation which gives the health minister the power to approve or reject private health facilities. During a boisterous opening day of the legislature's fall sitting, Liberal Leader Nancy MacBeth called on Klein "to stand ... before all the members of the legislative assembly ... and before all Albertans and commit that he will never allow for-profit private hospitals in our province."
Make no mistake, the amendment to Bill 37 announced today by Health Minister Halvar Jonson still leaves the door wide open to the establishment of private for-profit hospitals in Alberta," said Pam Barrett, Leader of the Alberta New Democrats. Barrett noted that the outpouring of public opposition to Bill 37 is working. She urged Albertans to keep up the pressure through their phone calls and letters. "Public pressure made the Klein government blink. Private for-hospitals will no longer be allowed to contract with the public health care system," Barrett emphasized. "While this is an important concession, I will continue to fight Bill 37 until such time as the government legislates a complete ban on for-profit hospitals," she added.
OMA wants overhaul of federal health act
Canada should look to countries that allow private funding for hospital services to deal with chronic government underfunding, a spokesman for Ontario's doctors said Thursday. Dr. William Orovan, head of the Ontario Medical Association, says he's not recommending the type of two-tiered health care system that exists in the United States. But hospitals struggling with budget cuts must consider other sources of funding "including private sources for some acute care services" such as is allowed in Australia and New Zealand, he told a luncheon meeting of the Empire Club of Canada.
Alberta: New rules for private hospitals
Revised legislation being introduced in the house next week will ease Albertans' fears about the growth of private hospitals, Health Minister Halvar Jonson says. But critics who forced the government to withdraw its original Bill 37 -- the Health Statutes Amendment Act -- last spring, say the new version still gives private hospitals a firm foothold in Alberta.
Klein gets more awards than he bargained for
It was a day of awards Tuesday for Alberta Premier Ralph Klein. The Vancouver Board of Trade presented him with an excellence award in the public sector for his work in reviving the Alberta economy. Meanwhile in the same hotel, the National Federation of Nurses named Klein as the recipient of its own Demolition of Health Care Award. Federation spokeswoman Debra McPherson said Klein had taken more steps to undermine the Canada Health Act than any other person.
Under the proposed bill, which will be discussed in the legislature after it opens next week, private facilities will be allowed to provide cosmetic surgical procedures or medically approved procedures to patients outside the provincial health plan, for instance to Workers' Compensation Board clients, recent immigrants or patients from other countries. WCB clients sometimes use private systems because waiting lines in the public system are too long. Alberta Health spokesman Garth Norris said the amendments strengthen the bill and protect the public by ensuring what procedures will be covered by Alberta Health.
Alberta company takes over Ottawa Clinics June 22
Increasing moves towards privatized health care.
Strike Averted at Calgary Hospitals, Contract Praised June 22
An illegal strike has been averted at two city hospitals after support staff decided last night to vote on a tentative contract.
Docs' Job Action Isn't Helping Us: Midwives June 22
Alberta's midwives are not cashing in on the refusal of the province's obstetricians to see new patients.
Lethbridge: Another Lethbridge doctor packs his bags June 19
Valleyview caught between a doc and a hard place June 17
Population base not sufficient to warrant fourth physician, says Mistahia CEO
College of Physicians monitoring Doc's job action June 17
Calgary Health Authority Hopes CUPE contract bodes well in AUPE negotiations with Support Staff June 17
Emergency care may be a casualty in MDs' fee dispute June 16
Support workers' strike vote plan denied June 16
Labour Relations Board rejects CRHA bid to halt vote; obstetricians' dispute also continues
Labour Relations Board Decision Regarding possible Hospital support staff strike in Calgary June 15
Obstetricians' protest adds to hospital stay for moms June 15
Doctors Militant trend started in Ontario June 15
Rural doctors planning further job actions June 15
Calgary Regional Hospitals brace for support staff strike June 15
Canadians say Health Care System needs more money
81% say spend more on healthcare. Eight in 10 Canadians believe cutbacks in health care must stop-- so says an Ottawa Sun/Roper Canada poll. June 14
Calgary Hospitals scramble to avert crisis June 13
MDs' job action, threatened support staff strike challenge CRHA
CRHA JUMPS THE GUN WITH SCARE MONGERING, AUPE CHARGES June 12
Edmonton Obstetricians work to rule by committee June 12
Edmonton:Capital Health confident of funding June 12
Health services 'will deteriorate' June 11
Patient services across Alberta will be cut unless the province provides adequate funding, says the doctor who speaks for Capital Health medical staff.
Calgary: Doctors job action threatens delivery wards June 10
Whitecourt: Medical clinic closed one day June 10
Rural Docotrs protest
The Doctor is Out June 9
The Edmonton Journal Web Special on the current doctor's conflict in Alberta
Lethbridge: Area's family physicians may feel job action pinch June 9
Grand Prairie: Impatience adds to ER pressure: Piepgrass June 9
Grande Prairie's medical staff president says perception of MD shortage exacerbated
Peace River: Doctors close offices for day of protest June 9
Newly minted nurses back in demand June 9
Rural doctors close offices to protest on-call fees June 9
Grand Prairie:Rural physicians start job action today June 8
Measure designed to raise awareness of chronic problems; no one to be denied emergency treatment
Edson: Doctors staying on the job June 8
Ninety-per cent of rural doctor offices will close for the day June 8 but it will be business as usual at the Edson Medical Centre.
Protesting obstetricians give Alberta labour pains June 8
Doctors curtailing services to back demands for better pay
Alberta Rural doctors close doors to patients June 8
Health cuts deepest in Alberta June 8
Rural Doctors Will shut Offices Monday June 8
Calgary MDs force hospitals to open extra beds June 6
Physicians' job action this week forced Calgary health officials to open 13 extra hospital beds for new mothers Friday.
Grand Prairie:'It's off to mediation we go' for hospital workers June 5
Valleyview left doctorless during funeral for slain High Prairie woman June 5
Obstetricians getting fed up with AMA June 2
BACK TO ALBERTA LABOUR NEWS
(R)EDMONTON: THE RADICAL EDMONTON PAGE
Go To LABOUR NET CANADA
Produced By Volunteer Union Labour
IU560
Page design © Copyright 1999 Eugene W. Plawiuk.
Contents are © Copyright the individual authors, or original sources that have been linked.