November 2010
Dear constituents of Calgary Fish Creek:
Not only was health care on your mind, it seemed to be the topic of conversation everywhere I went. Bill 29, Alberta Parks Act generated a lot of feedback from constituents who expressed their concerns over this significant piece of legislation and the lack of public consultation and input. Never in all my years as an MLA have I witnessed such an emotional period of time in Alberta.
I indicated that November was a very busy month for me. Bill 29, Alberta Parks Act was tabled in the Legislature and immediately “got your dander up” mainly because of the lack of consultation and the Minister and Cabinet having the authority to designate land and classify that land as a Provincial Park or Heritage Rangeland. As a result of public and political pressure, Bill 29 was shelved until the spring sitting of the Legislature. This will give Albertans the opportunity to provide their feedback and concerns regarding this important piece of legislation.
The Alberta Health Act, ER crisis, and the sudden and unexpected rejection of Dr. Raj Sherman from the government Caucus were major concerns for constituents. You were outraged that the government has been aware of the ER crisis for the past two years and has done nothing to fix it until a letter from Dr. Paul Parks was leaked to the media and opposition Caucuses. Many of you felt compelled to share your stories of long wait time and not once did I receive a complaint about our exceptional health care professionals who provide some of the best care in Canada. You were further outraged at the government’s decision to dismiss Dr. Sherman from the government Caucus for speaking out on behalf of ER doctors, and the government’s lack of direction on addressing the ER crisis. Your anger turned to disbelief when one of the government Caucus members called the President of the Alberta Medical Association to make allegations about Dr. Sherman’s mental health.
Your support for the Alberta Health Act amendment brought forward by Dr. Sherman to legislate wait times in emergency rooms was greatly appreciated. It made it worthwhile to debate for hours on why it is so important and although the amendment was defeated and the Alberta Health Act was passed by the government, as your MLA, I will continue to hold the government accountable on your behalf.
Please visit my website at www.heatherforsyth.com to view my questions and debate speeches on the Alberta Health Act and other pieces of legislation from the fall sitting.
I want to personally thank the wonderful health care professionals who have met with me to share their ideas on how we can improve Alberta’s health care system.
Lastly, thank you to all who continue to take the time to contact me. I am honoured to be your MLA.