NDP Leader Asks PM Mark Carney to Send a Clear Message
Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi urged the federal government yesterday to intervene and use the Canada Health Act to make Alberta drop its proposal allowing surgeons to work in the public health care system while charging patients for quicker access to surgeries. Prime Minister Mark Carney (Photo: Government of Canada). I’m not sure if this is a brave stance by Mr. Nenshi to tackle the UCP’s ongoing attempts to weaken public health care or just a mistake in a province where many believe Ottawa meddles too much. On Thursday, the United Conservative Party Government moved forward with an extreme plan that could Americanize health care in Alberta by introducing what they call “dual practice” in public hospital operating rooms. Critics argue this poses a serious threat to public health care across Canada due to trade agreements that ensure foreign companies can access Canadian markets equally. During her announcement, Alberta Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana La Grange stated that the province would begin recruiting doctors for dual practice next week, aiming for implementation by fall. In short, they’re moving quickly even though the plan seems poorly thought out. In his letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, which Mr. Nenshi shared on social media, he mentioned, “Albertans are looking for someone to protect them and to protect public health care. If they see the federal government as having a consequential role in protecting the public health care they value, this will be a strong signal that Canada works.” “I implore you,” his letter continued, urging federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to promptly examine Alberta’s decision – something the Carney Liberals seem hesitant about. “At a minimum, any reforms must be demonstrably aligned with the Canada Health Act, include enforceable practice ratios, and prohibit measures that would allow inequitable access to care,” Mr. Nenshi asserted.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel (Photo: Canada. ca).
Regarding Ms. Michel, she issued a statement on social media promising only lukewarm support for Canada’s Health Act principles but appeared less than enthusiastic when she said that Health Canada has seen Alberta’s regulations and will be “taking time to review them carefully and engage with Alberta officials to better understand their components and potential impacts before implementation.”
For those hoping for federal action, this isn’t quite an urgent rallying cry!
The UCP’s reaction was predictable. “The NDP is literally requesting that the federal government intervene in an area of provincial jurisdiction,” exclaimed Premier Danielle Smith’s chief of staff Rob Anderson in mock disbelief. “Could you imagine having them govern ‘defending’ our provincial rights?”
Mr. Anderson, who co-authored the separatist “Free Alberta Strategy” and seems increasingly abrasive daily, added: “If you don’t like the policy Naheed, explain why it matters to Albertans and campaign on it. We’ll beat you fair and square. But don’t whine to Ottawa asking them to oversee our provincial matters. Grow some backbone…”
Rob Anderson, former Wildrose Party MLA now chief of staff (Photo: Facebook/Rob Anderson).
Regardless of whether it’s smart strategy or not, I think Mr. Nenshi deserves credit for trying given what’s at stake. The UCP intends on implementing their policy before anyone can respond – definitely before there’s an election in Alberta – making it hard to undo any damage.
This may or may not align with what suits the federal government but I doubt most Canadians or Albertans would agree with it.
At a news conference yesterday, Mr. Nenshi elaborated on his thoughts further when Catherine Griwkowski from all Alberta. com asked how Ottawa should handle concerns about interfering too much in local affairs.
Mr. Nenshi replied: “You know, that’s something I hear from people in Ottawa all the time-‘If we step in will Albertans take offense?’ But here’s my advice: stop being political! Just enforce existing laws.”
“And frankly,” he continued, “a lot more Albertans support public health care than support Danielle Smith or separatism overall. So if Ottawa steps up as defenders of public health care-that shows Albertans that Canada works and highlights there really is a role for our federal government.”
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