Peter Lougheed Centre Renovations/Health Services in the Calgary Region
Feb 17, 2009
Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Alberta's health care system is in turmoil, and the minister of health is not making a positive contribution to the situation.
The minister stated this weekend, and I quote: he is sick and tired of people whining about not enough health care facilities. End quote. My first question to the Premier: does the Premier stand behind the minister's comments?
Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, I stand behind the decisions of this government to invest more than 50 per cent of the total capital fund into one city – and that's the city of Calgary – over the last four years, since 2004. That has been a substantial investment in health care facilities. We're continuing to invest more right across the province of Alberta. If at least once the hon. member would get up and at least acknowledge that, in terms of the investment that went in, and we'll continue to do whatever we can to reinvest dollars across Alberta into health care.
The Speaker: The hon. leader.
Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When people have genuine concerns with a health care system, a health care system in turmoil, they have a right to be listened to and have their concerns addressed. Will the Premier tell Albertans who they should contact, then, if this minister dismisses unwelcome feedback?
Mr. Stelmach: Mr. Speaker, the minister of health does not dismiss unwelcome feedback. In fact, he's been travelling the province corner to corner listening to Albertans to see how we can improve the quality of care, access to health care. You've got to remember that we're spending $13 billion annually – that's about $36 million a day – and we have to ensure that we constantly work together to improve the system.
In terms of the comments made, the minister can reply to that member in the next question.
The Speaker: The hon. leader.
Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the minister of health consider it unreasonable for citizens to demand that capital projects be delivered on time, on budget?
Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, that's exactly what we're doing. This government committed some 222 million dollars to completely build out three floors of the expansion at the Peter Lougheed hospital. We will be completing that project at the end of August. At that time an additional 140 beds will be on stream in the city of Calgary, and that is in addition to all of the other projects that the Premier just mentioned.
The Speaker: Second Official Opposition main question. The hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.
Health Services in the Calgary Region
Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many areas in Alberta – Calgary, Fort Saskatchewan, Grande Prairie – are expressing concerns over proposed delays and lack of funding for hospitals and health services. Communities, both urban and rural, are unsure about the state not only of existing services but planned facilities.
To the minister: why will the minister not commit to full completion of the Lougheed expansion when Calgary is already facing capacity limits?
Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, I've stated several times in this Legislature that we are in the process of reviewing our overall capital plan for health care. I anticipate that that review will be completed sometime around the delivery of our budget. As the member is obviously well aware, there are significant cost escalations that have occurred in health care projects in this province, and we need to ensure that we are prudent with taxpayers' dollars before committing any additional funds.
Dr. Swann: Will the minister at least commit to a 2011 completion of the south Calgary hospital?
Mr. Liepert: No, Mr. Speaker, I cannot at this time.
Dr. Swann: The town of Cochrane is facing the distinct possibility of losing radiology services. Why will the minister not support the town of Cochrane in ensuring continuing radiology services there?
Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, that comment is not warranted. This government supports all Albertans in the achievement of equitable health care. What has happened in Cochrane is that there was a private – a private – provider of diagnostic services who has determined that it no longer was cost-effective to operate that facility. We have through the publicly funded health care system plenty of diagnostic facilities in the surrounding area, and the residents of Cochrane will be served very well.
Alberta Hansard , February 17, 2009