Statement from Health Minister Iris Evans

I want to be absolutely clear that Alberta is not moving toward a two-tier, American style health care system. The Third Way isn’t about that at all. It’s about finding better ways to deliver health care to all Albertans and about strengthening our public health system.
 
Here are the facts:
 
Fact: Health care in its current form is not financially sustainable.
Health care costs are rising faster than government revenues. This is true in every province and territory across Canada. Right now, health spending takes up nearly 40 per cent of the provincial budget.  Unless something changes, health care will consume Alberta’s entire budget by 2030. It’s time to act to protect the health care system.  
 
Fact: A person's ability to pay will never determine access to needed health care services in our province.
Alberta is committed to a strong public health system and we will continue to invest in changes to the public system to make it work better. Any new ideas we implement will protect and strengthen the public health system.
 
Fact: Innovation is the key.
Our International Health Symposium demonstrated that Canada is one of the few countries that limits the private sector from playing a major role in improving access and reducing the burden of cost on the public system. We need to look at different ways of doing things. One single idea isn’t going to be the answer; only a combination of new ideas will help us find the right options and the right balance for Albertans
 
I encourage all AUPE members to have a close look at the new ideas that are being put forward. Go online at www.yourhealth.gov.ab.ca and see for yourselves that the proposals government is discussing with Albertans will protect the public health care system, and keep it viable for the future.
 
Iris Evans
Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness