Workers
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Black Friday announcements signal dark days ahead for public health care
Black Friday announcements signal dark days ahead for public health care
Announcements made on Black Friday of the loss of well over 5,100 front-line health care jobs highlights the deep disdain for public services that our current government holds.“These announcements were a clear move away from the collectivism that drives our social programs, a move away from the caring and compassion that is necessary to advance our society. It was a reiteration of a commitment to an endless quest to privatize our needed public services,” states Sandra Azocar, executive director of Friends of Medicare.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
December 02, 2019 -
Cuts to front-line staff is not the solution to balancing the budget and it is not what Albertans voted for
Cuts to front-line staff is not the solution to balancing the budget and it is not what Albertans voted for
On Friday morning, Albertans learned that 500 front-line Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses will lose their jobs over the next three years. The United Nurses of Alberta estimate this loss of staff will equate to more than a million fewer hours of care for patients.“In an already overstretched system, this attempt to save money by eliminating front-line staff can only be seen as nonsensical,” stated Sandra Azocar, executive director of Friends of Medicare.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
November 29, 2019 -
Alberta Budget 2019
Restrained spending in budget 2019 is the wrong prescription for Alberta
Although budget 2019 sees a slight increase in spending in health care (1%), it does not meet inflation and population growth (3.5%). "When a government is not able to provide health care to meet the needs of a growing population, it is a cut," says Sandra Azocar, executive director of Friends of Medicare. "As one goes down line by line through the budget, what we're seeing is a decrease in most areas of the health care budget."
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
October 24, 2019 -
LPNs will see their role expanded in 2020, but no clear commitment to increased supports
LPNs will see their role expanded in 2020, but no clear commitment to increased supports
On Thursday afternoon, Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced that he is widening the scope of practice for licenced practical nurses (LPNs). This expansion will come into effect on February 1st, 2020, and will impact over 16,000 LPNs across Alberta.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
October 17, 2019 -
Friends of Medicare stands with the 53 workers from Vegreville Century Park as they fight to save their jobs.
“Alberta open for business” resonates loudly in Alberta’s broken seniors’ care system –
At noon on October 7th, Friends of Medicare will be standing side by side with the 53 workers from Vegreville Century Park, as they fight to save their jobs.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
October 07, 2019 -
FOM joins Foothills front-line workers
FOM stands in solidarity with Foothills front-line workersOn July 3rd, Friends of Medicare will be joining AUPE front line workers, health care advocates, labour leaders, and community members as they come together in support of the invaluable Albertans who provide health care services and public services to all of us, day in and day out.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
July 03, 2019 -
Albertans will pay for the UCP's fiscally irresponsible political gimmick to quash public laboratory services
MEDIA RELEASE
APRIL 23, 2019
EDMONTON
Albertans will pay for the UCP's fiscally irresponsible political gimmick to quash public laboratory services
Through media reports, Friends of Medicare learned that construction Alberta Health Services’ $590 million lab at the University of Alberta’s south campus has been put on hold until the new government has an opportunity to “review the project.”Given that Premier-designate Jason Kenney has already indicated that he would reverse the building of a public laboratory, we know that 'review' is simply rhetoric for the ideologically driven privatization of an integral part of our health care system. "Even before the new government is sworn in, we see the first glimpse of what is to come," says Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
April 23, 2019 -
Prescription Drug Coverage Needed to Fight Poverty for Alberta’s Working Class
Media ReleaseSeptember 4, 2017EdmontonPrescription Drug Coverage Needed to Fight Poverty for Alberta’s Working Class
At today’s annual Labour Day barbecue for the unemployed and underemployed organized by the Edmonton & District Labour Council, the EDLC, End Poverty Edmonton & Friends of Medicare are calling for action on universal prescription drug coverage to help fight poverty in Alberta.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 04, 2017 -
Alberta Government on the Right Side of History with Dynalife Purchase
Friends of Medicare are elated to hear reports that Alberta Health Services intends to purchase private lab services company Dynalife for $50 million in 2022 when its new 5 year contract expires.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
September 30, 2016
