News

  • Redford's Failure to Fund Insulin Pumps is yet Another Bungled Promise

    On April 12, 2012, Premier Alison Redford promised Albertans that if re-elected, her government would ensure that all Albertans who suffer from type 1 diabetes would receive cost-free access to insulin pumps to help them better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. She has still not delivered.

  • Harper Cut to Health Council Could Signal End of National Healthcare

    (Ottawa) – The Canadian Health Coalition issued an urgent alert to Canadians in light of today’s news that the Harper Government is terminating its funding of the Health Council of Canada. 

  • Patient-based funding does not translate into quality care for seniors and disabled Albertans

    Friends of Medicare is joining health care professionals who today are standing in opposition to so-called 'patient-based funding.'  "As Canadians, we value our publicly-delivered and publicly-funded health care system, and we need to put the well-being of people and the health of our society at the forefront of our budgetary decisions," said Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.

  • Closure of Banff Mineral Springs Hospital maternity beds another slap in the face to rural families

    Friends of Medicare is standing in support of Banff community members and physicians who are in court today asking for an injunction and a judicial review to keep the maternity beds open at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital.

  • Friends of Medicare: Alberta''s Pharmacare Program Must Work for Everyone

    Albertans need a pharmacare program that ensures everyone has access to affordable and safe prescription drugs, but the Conservative government's approach to the issue is flawed, says Friends of Medicare.

  • Alberta Government Fails Albertans by Cutting Health Care in Today's Budget

    Three years ago, the Alberta Government and then Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky proudly announced "Alberta's 5-year Health Action Plan". In this action plan it was noted that "within 5 years, Albertans can expect a stronger more integrated, province-wide health system." It would stand to reason that we can all assume that long term planning is carried out through a process that involves relying on committed money and not money contingent on the price of oil.

  • Health Care Cuts Not the Solution to Balancing Alberta's Budget

    Friends of Medicare has learned that as of February 28th, 2013, the Royal Alexandra Hospital will be closing 18 beds in the Medicine Transition Unit.  The closure of these beds will result in the layoff of 31 LPN's and Nurse Aides as well as 2 service workers and 1 unit clerk.

  • Boutique Private for Profit Clinics causing more problems to Alberta's Health Care System

    In light of what has been revealed in the Preferential-Access Inquiry, Friends of Medicare is calling on the Alberta and Federal Government to take immediate action to ensure compliance with the Canada Health Act.

  • FOM Supports Workers in Labour Disputes at Devonshire and Monterey

    Friends of Medicare is in full support of the striking nurses of UNA Local 417 at Devonshire Care Centre in Edmonton. The nurses are employed by Park Place Seniors’ Living, the private, for-profit, corporation that runs the home. The home’s operations are funded by Alberta Health Services, but the nurses are paid well below the industry standard in wages and benefits.

  • Feds Must Negotiate with Provinces on Health Accord

    Sandra Azocar under the "Medicare umbrella" (as all Canadians should be) in front of Parliament in Ottawa on December 4, 2012.
    Canada’s federal government has refused to negotiate with the provinces on the renewal of the federal health accord. Friends of Medicare is calling on Prime Minister Harper to get back to the table with the Premiers. We are putting forward concrete proposals for how public health care can be maintained and improved across our country.