Wildrose Alliance Health Critic questions new budget and says “show us the beds”
CALGARY, AB (June 30, 2010): Following the release of the latest Alberta Health Services budget, Wildrose Alliance Health Critic Heather Forsyth (MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek) questioned the sustainability of current health spending and demanded better accountability.
“This is a political document and the PC government continues to keep handing the bill for their health care mistakes to hard-working Alberta taxpayers,” said Forsyth. “There are huge holes in this budget document and despite comforting words, the Health Minister cannot show Albertans the much-promised beds or improved facilities.”
The Wildrose critic noted that despite the nice words from the Health Minister, he cannot tell Albertans where new family doctors or health care specialists will come from, where new nursing staff will come from, or where desperately needed oncologists will come from. Forsyth further pointed out the Health Minister cannot tell Albertans how much waiting times will be reduced, if the promised new beds are ready to go, or how AHS will staff any new facilities.
“Albertans do not want vague promises, they want results and they want to see that the system is working better for them,” concluded Forsyth. “We want the government to show us the beds. We want Albertans to know how their cancer treatments, aging parents or mental health patients will be cared for. Until the PC government can show us a credible plan with details, we will all question if they know what they are doing.”
The Wildrose Alliance was formed in January 2008 and has four elected Members of the Legislature. The Wildrose advances competent, principled and conservative policies that will lower government spending, increase economic opportunities, empower communities and strengthen individual liberties and freedoms.