The Stelmach administration is a new kind of administration for Alberta – one that governs by doing nothing and crossing its fingers, hoping for better times to magically appear. This is a time of great economic turmoil all over the world, and the Premier, having squandered Alberta’s wealth, just doesn’t know how to deal with [...]

Health officials announced this week that the $222-million expansion of Peter Lougheed Hospital will not open any new beds to Calgary patients.  This is very disappointing news, and a demonstration of the lack of foresight and planning for an increasing and aging population by this government.
How can a government fail to plan for operating [...]

Here are a few recent articles dealing with important issues from my collegues at the Alberta Liberal Caucus.
 
First step to a balanced budget: stop the severance bonus round  from Hugh MacDonald, Official Opposition Finance critic.
 
Thinking outside the borders for fiscal discipline from Bridget Pastoor, Official Opposition critic for International and Intergovernmental Relations.
 
Advisory Committee on Health is [...]

To read the Edmonton-Riverview Newsletter, click here 
My colleague Kevin Taft, Official Opposition Health Critic, has produced a special edition of his MLA newsletter, and it paints a disturbing picture of how Tory mismanagement and neglect of the health care system is putting Albertans at risk.
 
Kevin is the Alberta Liberal MLA for Edmonton-Riverview. The latest [...]

Here are a couple of articles in the news today about issues that are important to me.
Please let me know what you think!
Senior’s longterm care
Accountable government

Here are some questions asked by David on May 26, 2009:
 
Out-of-country Health Services
 
Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today the Alberta
Ombudsman released his report on the administration of out-of country
health services. The fact that there are 53 recommendations
contained within the report speaks to a serious problem regarding
transparency and accountability in this program. To the minister.
It’s the minister’s [...]

The Stelmach administration is creating confusion and uncertainty by sending mixed messages on the state of nursing in the public health care system.
According to the Stelmach administration’s own reports, Alberta has a shortage of 1,500 nurses. But new job vacancies are not being posted on the Alberta Health Services website, and AHS CEO Dr. Stephen [...]

From the Liberal Caucus,

David Swann, Leader of the Official Opposition, has learned that yet another new clinic in Calgary will charge thousands of dollars for health care services.
A citizen in Calgary told Swann that he’s losing his family doctor because that doctor will be moving to a clinic called [...]

From today’s Question Period at the Legislature:

Dr. Swann: Events that played out this weekend in Calgary displayed the chaos and inconsistency that is plaguing Alberta’s health system. One day Alberta Health Services will not accept funds from a donor; the next day they will. The impact the uncertainty of this laser surgery has had on [...]

Below is an excerpt from the Hansard for May 14,
To read what was in the press click here
Dr. Swann: Well, back to the Premier on the issue of rural hospitals.
Mr. Premier, this administration is planning to close specific rural
hospitals, it’s clear. The plan was approved in the former David
Thompson health region. It falls into line [...]