Well, the budget was a pleasant surprise for health care. With the deficit taken care of, and the base funding raised, Alberta Health Services now has as much money as it has been spending, plus 6 percent for inflation and
population growth.
I had a conversation with Dr. Duckett at the Legislature, to get his response, which was characteristically restrained. He reiterated that AHS will continue to try to limit job losses. So even with this large infusion
of cash, he is not prepared to commit to filling some of the gaping holes.
He did say that ‘vacancy management’ will end April 1. So our relief must be tempered.
It is clear that the government heard from Albertans the dissatisfaction with the level of services. The Join Together Alberta campaign has been a significant factor in getting that message across. Many of you have been to
the Town Halls and other events. Congratulations, but we cannot now go to sleep.
On Friday I will be meeting with Minister Zwozdesky, and will hopefully get a better sense of his approach to the portfolio.
The new health money is, of course, welcome. But there have been cuts to other social programs, including income support and child intervention.
Those cuts are not insignificant, and will create demands for the health care system. It will be important to continue to support the other sectors that make up the fabric of our communities.
Haiti’s misery continues. Please remember them, including when you make decisions about your local unit funds. These do not carry forward into our next fiscal year, wish starts March 1.