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Re. “What’s behind the pause on long-promised south Edmonton hospital?” April 13
Picking up our Saturday print version of the Edmonton Journal, what first caught my eye was the headline “What’s behind the pause?” on the front page, regarding the pulling of funds from the long-promised south Edmonton hospital. Then, ironically, in red lettering, an advertisement for hip and knee replacements from Timely Medical Alternatives. My interest was piqued to read the article. The reasons given by the premier and her cabinet have little credibility.
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Why are surgeries previously provided by Alberta Health now being advertised by a private enterprise? Could it be due to underfunding of hospitals? Why are ambulance services now being delegated to private companies in addition to the present EMS system? Incompetence or underfunding?
Could it be that the premier and her cabinet are not being transparent with Albertans about their real agenda to privatize most, if not all, medical services? Are other public services next on the list? Education? Social Services? Aren’t these the first responsibility of any democratic government?
Where are our taxpayer dollars really going? Oh, yes! In part, to litigate 14 cases, so far, against the federal government which also provides funds to all provinces for such things as health and infrastructure.
Lise Maisonneuve, Seba Beach
Alberta needs less hostile stance
Premier Smith’s agenda can perhaps best be summed up in her comment that Bill 18 is about “taking back control.” Her desire for control is evident in so many of the changes proposed by the UCP but most evident in her desire to negate federal influence or credit.
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Her accusation of ideological influence is certainly evident in her own responses. While she complains that Alberta doesn’t get its fair share, she is trying to interfere where the province does get federal assistance. Perhaps she feels if projects get final approval from the provincial government, credit will then flow to her and her cabinet. Perhaps if her government spread things fairly through the province, there would be less need for federal aid.
Surely if, as Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney states, the provincial government really only wants to know where the funding is going, they should take a less adversarial stance with the federal government and improve the lines of communication.
Gayle Simonson, Edmonton
Bike lanes over buses not brainy
Some time ago, someone observed that this council needs counselling. This council needs something more than counselling — some brains. For example, approval of $100 million for bike-lane expansion and lack of budgeting for needed bus and LRT replacement.
During Decore’s two terms as mayor, spending was capped at $40 million to bring spending and taxes under control. It is hoped and prayed that in the next election, councillors with some brains will be elected.
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Mel Binder, Edmonton
Council should stop funding frills
Our Edmonton city council doesn’t seem to understand the first rule of household budgeting: If you can’t afford bread, then don’t buy ice cream.
Linda Padgham, Edmonton
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