By Ron Levesque, CUPE

Edmonton – CUPE’s cross country ambulances are sounding the warning that Alberta’s public health system is in grave danger. Ambulances have been dispatched from both coasts to converge on the scene of the emergency. Two ambulances will tour Alberta bringing a petition post card and information on what for-profit health care will do to Alberta’s public health care system.

"The government says that for-profit health care is the answer to the crisis they created," said Terry Mutton, President of CUPE Alberta. "But for-profit health care doesn’t reduce waiting lists, save money or provide better care. In Calgary where virtually 100% of cataract surgery is contracted out, they have the longest waiting times and the highest costs. Moreover this legislation will remove any protection health care has under NAFTA and WTO."

CUPE has five key demands to protect public health care. They are:

1. Stop Alberta’s private hospital legislation;
2. Restore funding for all health care, including acute and long-term care;
3. Introduce national home care and drug plan programs;
4. Reform primary care; and
5. Exempt health care from trade deals – specifically NAFTA and future rounds of the World Trade Organization.