They drove our health system into the ditch and now they let go of the steering wheel!

News Alberta
Alta. to launch cancer strategy
By FRANK LANDRY, Legislature Bureau

Last Updated: February 22, 2011 6:00pm

Throne speech
Focus: Alta's economy Read the throne speech The Tory government is expected to launch a provincial cancer strategy in the coming months.

It was one of several health-related plans in Tuesday's throne speech, which laid out in broad strokes the government's agenda for the coming months.

The idea is to reduce incidents of cancer, increase access to cancer treatment and improve the quality of life for those who have cancer, officials said.

"The strategy will address immediate and future needs for prevention, detection and treatment of cancer," Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell read.

The Tories are also promising to open another 1,000 continuing care spaces this year, proclaim the Alberta Health Act and appoint a health advocate. Also in the works is a "comprehensive" addiction and mental health strategy.

Liberal Leader David Swann was critical of the government's health plans.

"There's no evidence this government has a credible to plan to fix health care," he said. "That's the most critical issue facing Albertans. The crisis continues."

Dave Eggen, with Friends of Medicare, said he's not optimistic much will get done, with the Tories preparing to elect a new leader in the coming months.

"The instability of this government belies any vague promises that might come out of this throne speech," Eggen told reporters.

"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down, and now they've let go of the wheel, with people resigning and internal leadership squabbles.

"Whatever they come up with, who's going to carry it out? Who's going to follow through?
Elsewhere, infrastructure also remains on the government priority list. Nearly 90% of Anthony Henday Drive is expected to be complete by this fall. Work on a public-private partnership to finish the last phase is also slated to begin this year.

In Calgary, the southeast section of Stoney Trail will open to traffic in the fall of 2013.

"Infrastructure is a critical foundation for our province's future," Ethell read.

"It is an economic enabler and a driver of competitiveness and it helps support the quality of life Albertans enjoy."

frank.landry@sunmedia.ca