EDMONTON — Bill 207: Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act was introduced by Peace River MLA Dan Williams on November 7. After passing first reading, Bill 207 was referred to the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members Public Bills. On November 18^th, this committee — comprised of 4 NDP and 7 UCP MLAs —will meet to determine if this bill has the merits to proceed for fulsome debate in the legislature.

November 7, 2019
EDMONTON

Bill 207 is a political attack on Albertans' access to legal health care services

 
Peace River MLA Dan Williams' introduction of private member’s Bill 207: Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act, is a disingenuous political attack on access to legal health care services such as abortion and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). By using the narrative of ‘conscience rights’ the UCP government and MLA Williams do not mean the freedom of conscience afforded under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This narrative simply points directly to the right of a provider of public services to provide those services selectively. 

The Protection of Health Care Act: A step in the right direction to protect and expand public health

With the introduction of Bill 1, the Protection of Health Care Act, Friends of Medicare is optimistic that for the first time in this province we will see the political will to protect our public health care and an end to shirking the rule of law in Canada and Alberta.

MEDIA RELEASE
MARCH 22, 2018

Government Needs to Take Clear Action to End Blurred Lines for Private Clinics

Pure North Funding Cancellation Welcomed

Friends of Medicare are pleased to see that Alberta's Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman has cancelled funding for the Precision Health clinic operated by Pure North after CBC News revealed the clinic had been offering unproven treatment to a patient.

Action Needed for Accountable and Transparent Primary Care Networks

Friends of Medicare are pleased to see the review made public today by the Ministry of Health. Having long called for a review of Alberta's Primary Care Networks, Friends of Medicare are now calling for follow through to address the issues raised. The review found "instances where the PCN Administrative Leads were receiving remuneration that was higher than the guidelines provided", "the appropriateness of PCN spending for physician compensation was not clear," and "instances where PCNs were using public dollars on expenditures that were inappropriate".

Following today's CBC story on the Copeman clinic Friends of Medicare are calling on the Provincial and Federal Governments to take responsibility for protecting the interests of patients and our public health care system. The story highlighted instances of both patients and Alberta Health Services paying for services, with additional strain on our public purse through tax deductions for Copeman patients.

Budget 2016 Provides Healthcare Stability in Tough Times

With funding increases of 3% for health care in 2016, Friends of Medicare are relieved to see population growth and inflation met with 2016 spending despite the economic downturn and pressures for funding cuts.

Audit of Copeman Clinic Applauded and Should be Expanded to Other Clinics

In light of the news that Health Minister Sarah Hoffman is initiating a long called for audit of the private-for-profit Copeman clinic, Friends of Medicare are calling on the Alberta Government to expand their audit beyond just Copeman.