LaGrange denies Opposition accusations of Bill 55 hospital privatization
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Opposition New Democrats said Thursday the Alberta government's Bill 55 opens the door for private ownership of hospitals, something the government denies, stating such accusations amount to 'empty fearmongering.'
The Health Statutes Amendment Act was introduced in the legislature last week and proposes hundreds of changes across its 332 pages of text.
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Opposition health critic Sarah Hoffman has criticized the bill throughout the legislative process, saying it will allow private, for-profit entities to operate hospitals.
She spoke on Thursday alongside representatives of five labour unions including those representing nurses and health care workers, and called the bill 'a disgusting betrayal' of the province's responsibility to ensure health care for Albertans when needed.
'They didn't put any parameters in to say that they will be publicly operated hospitals if they actually want to say that this isn't about privatization,' she said.
'I've got amendments that I'll be putting forward to say that this is about making sure that they are still publicly operated and publicly accountable.'
Speaking to reporters inside the legislature Thursday, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said Hoffman is mischaracterizing the bill.
'The Health Facility Act stipulates very clearly that no person shall operate a private hospital in Alberta. So I find it very, very disingenuous of them to fear-monger,' she said.
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The bill began Thursday in second reading and was scheduled to be further debated into the early evening. Government house leader Joseph Schow gave oral notice that the government intends to limit further debate at second reading to one hour.
Hoffman said she plans to propose amendments to the bill intended to underscore the public funding, ownership and operation of hospitals in Alberta.
'When you or someone you love goes to the ER or needs life saving surgery or has cancer, the people making decisions about you and your care should be focused on the patient, not the profit.'
In response to reporter questions, LaGrange said such an amendment would be unnecessary.
'There's no need to make an amendment,' she said. 'This bill does not do what they're saying.'
Hoffman had earlier raised concerns about the bill during Tuesday night's sitting of the legislature, noting Premier Danielle Smith had raised the idea of taking away ownership of hospitals at a town hall last year.
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Hoffman said the bill gives too much say over patient care to hospital operators who she said could order collection of unpaid bills, and have patients discharged or relocated to other facilities under the threat of trespassing.
'This is absolutely allowing hospitals like the Stollery to be run by corporations,' she said.
In a statement, Alberta Health said that's not the case and that the bill is focused on improving accountability, co-ordination, and outcomes.
'The concept of a hospital 'operator' simply ensures clear governance and accountability,' it said in a statement.
'Alberta Health Services, a provincial health agency, or a provincial health corporation may serve as an operator — none of which are private entities.'
The spring sitting of the legislature is scheduled to conclude May 15.
mblack@postmedia.com
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