Canada’s unions ready to fight to protect public health care in Alberta
WINNIPEG, MB — More than 2,000 delegates at the Canadian Labour Congress passed an emergency resolution to send a clear message to Premier Danielle Smith:
No two-tier, American-style health care in Canada.
“Public health care is a fundamental Canadian value, not a business opportunity,” said Bea Bruske. “Workers across this country are ready to fight to protect our health care system from privatization.”
Delegates overwhelmingly adopted a strong resolution opposing legislation from Premier Smith’s government that would entrench two-tier health care in Alberta by allowing physicians to charge patients whatever they want for medically necessary services.
The resolution also opposes any attempt to introduce similar legislation elsewhere in Canada and calls on the Prime Minister and federal Health Minister to fully enforce the Canada Health Act.
Delegates from Alberta took to the convention floor to share firsthand stories about the growing crisis in their province and urged fellow activists from across the country to stand united against the privatization of health care, including Alberta’s Bills 11 and 29.
“When you think about what makes Canada different from the United States, our public universal health care is on top of that list,” said Bruske. “Canada’s unions will defend our health care from Americanization.”
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