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Been there, done that part 2: Albertans want public solutions that will improve our health care

March 13, 2019
EDMONTON

Been there, done that part 2: Albertans want public solutions that will improve our health care

The plans announced today by UCP leader, Jason Kenney, proposing to privatize laundry services in hospitals, is the second announcement he has made touting the supposed efficiency of the private sector in our public health care. His announcement takes us back to the mid-1990s when, under the Conservative government of Ralph Klein in Alberta, laundry services in Calgary were privatized. As a result, laundry workers went on a wildcat strike and garnered national headlines, but the contract was eventually given to K-Bro Linen.

Fom Friends of Medicare

Written by
March 13, 2019

  • Been there, done that part 2: Albertans want public solutions that will improve our health care

    March 13, 2019
    EDMONTON

    Been there, done that part 2: Albertans want public solutions that will improve our health care

    The plans announced today by UCP leader, Jason Kenney, proposing to privatize laundry services in hospitals, is the second announcement he has made touting the supposed efficiency of the private sector in our public health care. His announcement takes us back to the mid-1990s when, under the Conservative government of Ralph Klein in Alberta, laundry services in Calgary were privatized. As a result, laundry workers went on a wildcat strike and garnered national headlines, but the contract was eventually given to K-Bro Linen.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 13, 2019

  • Been there, done that: Albertans want strong public health care not privatization

    Been there, done that:
    Albertans want strong public health care not privatization
    Privatization Ideologues have been set on marketizing our health care system, and yesterday's announcement by the leader of the UCP, Jason Kenney, that he intends to privatize laboratory services in Alberta, is another reminder that this unbridled disdain for our public services is nothing more than a celebration of self-interest and the interests of those who seek to profit from the poor health of others.
    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 12, 2019

  • APWG Optimistic About Advisory Council's Interm Report

    Alberta Pharmacare Working Group Optimistic About Advisory Council's Interim Report

     
    Edmonton - The Alberta Pharmacare Working Group is encouraged following today’s release of the Advisory Council for the Implementation of National Pharmacare’s interim report. Its initial recommendations outline six core principles for national pharmacare, and call for: the creation of a national drug agency; a comprehensive, evidence-based national drug formulary; and, investment in drug data and information technology.
     
    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 06, 2019

  • FOM Responds to Advisory Council's Interim Report

    Friends of Medicare responds to the release of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare's Interim Report
    “Today’s release of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare interim report was thin on details but it is a good first step in establishing a foundation for the implementation of what Friends of Medicare hopes to see become a universal, single-payer pharmacare program,” says Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.
    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 06, 2019

  • APWG Applauds Lobbyists

    Canadians Lobby for Universal Pharmacare on Parliament Hill

    The Alberta Pharmacare Working Group supports the hundreds of Canadians from all across the country who are descending on the Parliament Hill today to fight for universal Pharmacare. Albertans will be joining Canadian Labour Congress representatives to speak with MPs and Senators about a Pharmacare program that won't leave anyone behind.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    February 26, 2019

  • Kenney Still Hasn't Ruled Out More Private Health Care

    Following today's public signing of the "public health guarantee" made by United Conservative Party leader, Jason Kenney, Albertans were left sifting through carefully scripted rhetoric. Friends of Medicare are unconvinced that the announcement was any more than a PR visual, as it lacked both clarity and commitment to finding public solutions to the challenges within our health care system. 

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    February 20, 2019

  • Opinion: It's time to end forced transfers of dying Albertans

    Opinion: It's time to end forced transfers of dying Albertans

    SHANAAZ GOKOOL & SANDRA AZOCAR
     
    Updated: December 29, 2018
     
    Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre and St. Joseph's Basilica on June 18, 2018. SHAUGHN BUTTS/ POSTMEDIA
    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    December 31, 2018

  • Friends of Medicare Calls for Provincial MAID Legislation

    Friends of Medicare Calls for Provincial MAID Legislation

    Recent CBC  reports have shown that Covenant Health is not fulfilling its responsibility to ensure patient access to a legal medical service, specifically the right to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Friends of Medicare is calling on the provincial government and Alberta Health Services to take a clear position and enact provincial legislation that will address the inequality of access resulting from a varying interpretation of the MAID law. "Albertans need a position and Legislation that is humane and follows the intent of the federal legislation" says Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    November 05, 2018

  • Show me your friends, I'll tell you who you are

    MEDIA RELEASE
    OCTOBER 5, 2018
    EDMONTON

    Show me your friends, I'll tell you who you are

    Today the United Conservative Party will be hosting Premier Doug Ford in Calgary. This alliance between Premier Ford and Alberta Premier hopeful Jason Kenney, is in short, a concerning one for those of us who are wary about a potential repeat of the massive cuts that Ontario has been experiencing under Ford's leadership.
     

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    October 05, 2018

  • #TBT: Fall of the General Hospital

    Throw Back Thursday:
    Fall of the General Hospital, October 4th, 1998


    Today marks the 20th anniversary of the demolition of the Calgary General Hospital. Between 1992 and 2006, Alberta Premier Ralph Klein devoted his attention to eliminating Alberta’s budget deficit. Under his leadership, claiming health care to be one of the areas requiring the most ‘constraints’, Klein oversaw significant cuts to the health budget.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    October 04, 2018