News

Government Must Stop and Reverse Privatization of Laboratory Services in the Edmonton

Since forming government our New Health Minister, Sarah Hoffman has been given the arduous task of sifting through past privatization misdeeds that will continue to haunt this new government unless they deal with them head on. In the past few weeks, and as reported by media sources, the contracting out of the Lab Services in the Edmonton and surrounding area to Sonic Healthcare have raised questions that require immediate answers.

Fom Friends of Medicare

Written by
July 09, 2015

  • Government Must Stop and Reverse Privatization of Laboratory Services in the Edmonton

    Since forming government our New Health Minister, Sarah Hoffman has been given the arduous task of sifting through past privatization misdeeds that will continue to haunt this new government unless they deal with them head on. In the past few weeks, and as reported by media sources, the contracting out of the Lab Services in the Edmonton and surrounding area to Sonic Healthcare have raised questions that require immediate answers.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    July 09, 2015

  • Friends of Medicare Welcomes New Health Minister and Seniors Minister Sarah Hoffman

    Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare, issued the following statement today regarding the appointment of Sarah Hoffman as Alberta's new Minister of Health and Minister of Seniors:

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    May 25, 2015

  • Quality health care being "absorbed" by 2015 budget

    Alberta Health's expenses are budgeted at $18.9 billion in 2015-2016, about $160 million lower than 2014-2015.  Health will see a $950 million cut in 2015-16 through "significant restraint measures" by Alberta Health Services (AHS), cuts to Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and drug cost savings.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 26, 2015

  • Friends of Medicare responds to Prentice's televised address

    In yesterday's televised message from Premier Prentice, he announced that his government will be introducing a 'Health Care Levy.' The Free Dictionary defines a levy as 'a tax, fine or other punishment on (a person or business).'

     

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 25, 2015

  • Friends of Medicare responds to Rural Health Services Review report

    Today the Alberta Government released its Rural Health Services Review report. It highlighted and validated a number of concerns that rural Albertans have been sharing for a long time.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 18, 2015

  • As Spring returns every year, so do "feel good" announcements in election season

    Health Minister Stephen Mandel and Alberta Health Services (AHS) CEO Vickie Kaminski held a press conference today to announce measures that aim to improve access to health care. However, the announcement raised more questions than answers. Mandel announced that they will be 'reallocating' $50 million from existing health care funds to the Peter Lougheed Hospital, South Health Campus, Misericordia Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, and Grey Nuns Hospital to renovate and expand ER facilities.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 11, 2015

  • Friends of Medicare launched petition in opposition to health care premiums

    Today Friends of Medicare launched both an online petition and a physical petition to the Legislative Assembly to urge the Government of Alberta to not introduce health care premiums. Our position is that health care premiums are a regressive tax that will negatively impact lower- and middle-income Albertans. Health care should be based on need, not on ability to pay. 
    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    March 06, 2015

  • Premiums and cuts both wrong for Alberta health care

    February 19, 2015
    EDMONTON

    Yesterday Finance Minister Robin Campbell said the government is "keen" on the idea of bringing back health care premiums.

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    February 19, 2015

  • Albertans deserve answers on changes to AHS governance

    On February 6th Alberta Health Services (AHS) put out a request for proposal, inviting companies to submit proposals for the "provision of executive search services that will identify qualified, interested candidates to be considered for appointment as members of the Alberta Health Services board."

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    February 10, 2015

  • Revera sale is a sideshow in ongoing private health care fiasco

    Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare, issued the following statement today regarding the sale of Revera Home Health to Extendicare's ParaMed Home Health Care:

    Fom Friends of Medicare

    Written by
    January 23, 2015