Camrose Canadian

The Alberta healthcare system is an issue that is relevant to everybody. Many worry that we are on our way to having a two-tiered system like the United States.
On April 15, an information session was held at the Norsemen Inn, featuring three guest speakers who presented honest and forthright information on the present state of healthcare and where we as Albertans might be heading.
Judy Wasylycia-Leis serves as MP for Winnipeg North and she has strong feelings on the state of our present system. “With the recent news of Alberta healthcare de-listing certain procedures, people are becoming more and more afraid of getting sick or aging.” Alberta has the highest rate of privatized care in the country and with the recent de-listing of services such as chiropractic care and trans-gender surgery, it seems as if we are moving closer to a healthcare format where eventually only those who can afford it will receive quality healthcare.
David Eggen is the executive director of Friends of Medicare. “The recent de-listing of health services is an ominous glimpse into the future,” he said. “Unscrupulous people rallying for privatization are seeking to destroy the system from within.”
If in fact, we are, moving towards a healthcare system like the United States, which, coincidently enough is working towards adapting a model similar to Canada’s, we truly are in for a long road.
In the USA, over 50 million people do not have healthcare coverage. Lack of personal coverage is the number one reason for bankruptcy in America.
Unscrupulous practices are directed at seniors, who often require more services and medication, yet are generally on a fixed income. In the Brian Mulroney tenure, the government tried to de-index CPP benefits. Seniors across the country stood up and gave a voice to their plight. They rallied together, protesting on Parliament Hill. Together, we have a voice and can make a difference, he said.