February 2011 – What’s on your mind
Health again dominated February as your #1 concern, it continues to keep us busy trying to follow-up on your questions and inquiries. We are also starting to get calls and emails from around the province and I attribute that due to my role as the Health Critic. Many of you continue to be frustrated on not being able to find a family doctor and the long waits to access a specialist. While the health budget got more this year, you asked what the government is doing to address the shortage and long wait times. While the Speech from the Throne talks about 1,000 continuing care spaces being added this year, it does not address long term care (nursing home) beds. We have struggled to find long term care beds for constituents who’s loved one cannot reside in an assisted living facility because of their deteriorating health. A new website is up and running for you to register if you are waiting to find a family physician go to http://www.needadoctorcalgaryandarea.ca.
The budget was released and your calls to the office indicated you did not like a deficit of $3.4Billion. I continue to hear from you about the amount of money the government is spending. The Sustainability Fund, which had nearly $17 Billion in early 2009, is expected to drop to $1.7 Billion in the near future. While the capital spending plan continues to be strong, many of you are now asking where are the operating dollars going? A good example is the South Calgary Hospital which is badly needed in our area but concerns are now being raised about the ability to staff and operate it once it is open.
Lastly we have received hundreds of emails on the “Petition to save Glenmore Park.” The petition statement reads: “ (name) signed the Save Glenmore Park Petition and is completely opposed to any proposed ring road, connector, roadway, bridge, or tunnel which would go throught or over any part of the Glenmore Reservoir, The Weaselhead Natural Environment Park or North/South Glenmore Park,” it goes on further to state “the Provincial Government of Alberta is considering developing a 37th Street connector which would see an eight-lane, 110 km/hr expressway and one kilometer bridge span over the Glenmore Reservoir and through Glenmore Park and the Weaselhead Preservation Area in order to connect 37th Street at Glenmore Trail to 167 Avenue SW Our group believes that a major road and bridge development along 37 Street is not financially responsible and will have a devastating impact on the environment. If you share our views that a 37 Street connector is not in the best interests of Calgary and Glenmore and the Weaselhead Parks please support this cause by signing our petition. We would also ask you to please consider getting involved and communicating your concerns to the various levels of government by writing letters, emails and/or making calls. In addition, please take the time to inform your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.”
In March I will be conducting a phone survey to determine your priorities. This is a “first” and I would very much appreciate you taking the time to respond when called. While some of you may find this an inconvenience, and I know many don’t like phone solicitation, it gives me an opportunity to determine your priorities whether it is health care, education, seniors, etc. The follow-up phone call once your priorities are determined will find out exactly how your concerns need to be addressed.
Thanks again for keeping me informed about “what’s on your mind”. While we are in session my website will have all my questions in QP, debate on bills and Member Statements. It is an opportunity for you to see me asking the questions you wanted asked, and speak in debate on what you have told me you wanted me to say. Please go to my website at www.heatherforsyth.com. Thanks again for your ongoing input – it truly is an honour to represent you.