Uber analogy not sign of more privatization of continuing care, Alberta premier says
CBC
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her plan to "Uber-ize" and replace the province's online continuing care directory is aimed at making it easier for patients to navigate spaces, and the analogy shouldn't be taken too far.
It comes a day after Smith announced at a continuing care conference she aims to create a new platform that works much like the app to order rides or meals.
"What we're talking about is creating a portal so that those [providers] who have spaces available can easily post them, and those who need a space can easily find them," said Smith at the official opening of a new cancer centre in Calgary on Thursday.
It's part of the United Conservative government's health-care system overhaul that will see the responsibility for continuing care shifted from the Health Ministry to Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon.
Smith's mention of the Uber model sparked renewed concerns from public health-care advocates, unionized health workers and the Opposition NDP that further privatization plans are afoot.
When asked if the shift might mean changes to how some in the sector are contracted, Smith said "there's no contemplation of changing the provision model."
Alberta Health Services currently offers an online directory that allows Albertans to search for spaces by name, location and type of care, but Smith said there's a demand for more transparency to make sure all vacant spaces are posted.
"We've heard from our various non-profit and private providers that some facilities have as many as 35 per cent of spaces open," she said.
At the same time, she said the province is at least 3,500 spaces short of being able to keep up with demand from those who are in hospital or living in communities waiting for placement in an appropriate facility.
Nixon noted in a statement Thursday the continuing care system is a mix of private, not-for-profit and government-run facilities.
"The transfer of continuing care is not privatization and there is no intention to privatize," he said.
He added that private service providers and organizations are crucial to maintaining the system, and government will continue to work with them.
Public Interest Alberta and Friends of Medicare said in a joint statement Wednesday the premier's announcement signalled a move toward more for-profit care.
NDP seniors critic Lori Sigurdson said the administrative changes do not build a single new continuing care bed or offer more service for those who are stuck without options between hospital and home.
Liberal leadership hopeful Mark Carney says he'd run a deficit to 'invest and grow' Canada's economy
Liberal leadership hopeful Mark Carney confirmed Sunday that a federal government led by him would run a deficit "to invest and grow" Canada's economy, but it would also balance its operational spending over the next three years.
The St. Anthony, N.L., Boys and Girls club is "starting to dream about what's possible to make the community even stronger" after its building was destroyed by a fire, said national CEO Owen Charters.
Groundhog Day: The Musical, based on the 1993 Bill Murray film, is having its Canadian premiere in Sudbury., following stints in London and New York.
A vacant north-end Halifax building that was previously described as an "immediate safety risk" by a fire inspector caught fire early Sunday.
This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You can see more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.
Olivier Soumis's green canvas tent sits in the middle of the frozen St. Lawrence River, providing a stark pop of colour against the muted tones of the snow and the open water in the distance.
A debate over how to adjudicate Treaty 4 rights was at the core of a federal court hearing in Manitoba this week.
Kael Flynn is the scion of a Saskatoon fashion dynasty, but the 22-year-old is more concerned with perfecting his curveball than selling suits.
The Regina Humane Society celebrated its first year in its new building on Saturday.
Beekeepers in Alberta's Peace region are watching nervously as the threat of a trade war looms.
In a world of shrinking margins and shuttered breweries, the last thing the craft beer industry in British Columbia needs is a tariff pushing up the price of the humble beer can.
Hamilton and the surrounding area is under a winter storm warning as up to 25 centimetres of snow is expected to accumulate Sunday, says Environment Canada.
With snow hammering Toronto overnight Saturday, Environment Canada is warning that the heaviest snowfall is still to come and travel conditions could "rapidly deteriorate" Sunday morning.