For immediate release
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) President, Mike Parker, reacts to The Supreme Court of British Columbia decision demonstrating once again that private health care infringes on patient care.
Edmonton —Today’s decision by The Supreme Court of British Columbia is a historic victory for patient care in Canada. It also makes clear Kenney’s plan to destroy health care in Alberta breaks the laws of Canada and goes against the values of Canadians.
“This was the most serious legal attack our public health system has faced to date…,” said HSAA President Mike Parker, “…and the BC Supreme Court has made it clear that privatizing health care harms our ability to care for our sick and injured family, friends and neighbours.”
Private for-profit health drains resources from the public system resulting in longer wait times. The Court’s decision is a reminder to politicians contracting private operators using public funds that our health-care system is supposed to be based on need. “The Court has shown Kenney’s privatizing surgery and lab services in Alberta is not in the best interest of Albertans,” continued Parker. “I am calling on Jason Kenney to cancel all requests for proposals and stop handing out contracts to private health corporations. He should respect the decision of the court and stop putting patients at risk. Every public dollar in health care should go to patient care, not for profits.”
The COVID-19 public health emergency has shown just how important our public health-care system is. This decision sends the message that protecting our ability to endure crises and care for each other is not a violation of anyone’s right to make money.
HSAA recognizes the Supreme Court of Canada will likely have the last word. Until then, Albertans can expect to see more misinformation, tests of legal boundaries and outright lies from the Kenney government. That will mean millions of public dollars will be spent on legal challenges rather than patients. And until then, Parker says HSAA will continue to deliver on the commitment made by members to protect the public health system.
“Health matters to all of us. We won’t let them destroy it. Let’s make it better.”
HSAA is 27,000 health-care professionals dedicated to protecting the public health system and the vulnerable Albertans who rely on it.
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Media inquiries:
Kirk Heuser, HSAA Communications Officer
780-690-8199 | kirkh@hsaa.ca
