News

Province continues to balance health care budgets on the backs of seniors

September 27, 2012 12:00 PM

Today, Minister Fred Horne announced a 5% increase in charges for long-term care accommodations starting January 1st, 2013. He sweetened the blow to seniors by opening up with the announcement that he will offset this financial impact to our low income seniors by increasing financial assistance through the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).

AHS Challenged for Outrageous Severance Payments

September 11, 2012 12:00 PM

Edmonton - Alberta Health Services (AHS) paid $738,000 in severance to an Executive Vice President, Andrew Will, who left in February, after only 18 months on this job. The payment also included $99,000 in "at risk pay" for the 18-month severance period. Friends of Medicare Executive Director Sandra Azocar says, "this is yet another insult to Alberta's health care workers and taxpayers, and we want the Auditor General to review it."

New Health Services Chair Admits his Political Bias

September 04, 2012 12:00 PM

Friends of Medicare is concerned to hear that the new chair of the Alberta Health Services board, Stephen Lockwood, is a businessman who is an active supporter of both the Conservative and Wildrose party.

Friends of Medicare Welcomes New Executive Director

August 01, 2012 12:00 PM

Friends of Medicare is proud to welcome its new Executive Director, Sandra Azocar. Sandra comes to the organization with a strong background in health care advocacy and social reform. With a decades long career as a Child Welfare Worker with the Government of Alberta and three terms at the Vice President of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, Sandra will be a strong voice to ensure that Alberta's health care system is strengthened and expanded.

Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Lavish Executive Expenses

August 01, 2012 12:00 PM

Friends of Medicare denounces the inappropriate and excessive expenses claimed by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Allaudin Merali during his employment with with Alberta Health Services and the now dissolved Capital Health Region. It has come to light through a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) request that Merali claimed nearly $350,000 in expenses from 2005-2008, including costs for travel and hosting.

New Health Minister Carries Heavy Baggage

August 12, 2011 12:00 PM

Friends of Medicare would like to acknowledge Fred Horne’s appointment as Alberta’s Minister of Health this morning. “While we wish him the best, Mr. Horne carries a lot of baggage from his involvement with private health initiatives,” said David Eggen, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.

Provincial Government Must Disclose Terms of Chartwell Contract for Seniors Housing

July 07, 2011 12:00 PM

While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pay tribute to Canada’s military at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rotary Challenger Park, 29 seniors, including many war veterans from the Colonel Belcher Seniors residence in Calgary are facing eviction.

News

Province continues to balance health care budgets on the backs of seniors

AHS Challenged for Outrageous Severance Payments

New Health Services Chair Admits his Political Bias

Friends of Medicare Welcomes New Executive Director

Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Lavish Executive Expenses

New Health Minister Carries Heavy Baggage

Provincial Government Must Disclose Terms of Chartwell Contract for Seniors Housing

Unfair long term care rate hikes will be taken to court

Friends of Medicare Supports Full Public Inquiry

Federal Support for Healthcare and National Pharmacare

Province continues to balance health care budgets on the backs of seniors