Karygiannis alarmed at Klein’s Third Way for Health Care
OTTAWA – The Honourable Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt expressed his alarm today at Alberta's Health Reform Plan.
“It looks like they are trying to Balkanize Canada, with Stephen Harper suggesting that ‘It is imperative to take the initiative, to build firewalls around Alberta’ and Klein’s Health Reform Plan stating ‘...if we are able to establish a cooperative arrangement with other western provinces on purchasing drugs’.” said Jim Karygiannis. “As Canadians we must not allow this to happen.”
Klein released his health care reform package yesterday. The Third Way will provide enhanced or optional health services for those who both want it and can afford it. In the past, Klein has indicated his willingness to challenge the Canada Health Act with respect to universality. Despite promises by the Klein government to hold public consultations, none are planned. The Alberta Health Ministry has invited Albertans to leave comments at its website.
Health Canada, together with other countries and the World Health Organization, is preparing for a pandemic. When the SARS epidemic hit Canada, it was the doctors and nurses at The Scarborough Hospital – Grace Division who identified and treated “Patient One”. As with SARS, it will be the emergency rooms of Canadians hospitals that will be on the front-line as we identify the new pandemic.
“At the same time that hospitals, like Scarborough-Grace, are fighting to keep their Emergency Rooms open, Ralph Klein is talking about dismantling our health care system.” said Karygiannis. “Alberta is running a surplus, if he is not willing to spend his money on taking care of the people of Alberta, what will he spend it on?”
“This is the thin edge of the wedge. Klein is leading the way – he and the Conservatives are determined to undermine our cherished health care system.” Karygiannis further commented. “We, the federal government, must ensure that the tenets of the Canada Health Act are protected.”
