Alberta Health Act consultation continues
News Release
May 21, 2010
Community workshops to be held in 23 communities across Alberta
Edmonton… Alberta’s 12 local Health Advisory Councils are hosting workshops in their respective areas as part of the recently announced consultations on a new Alberta Health Act.“The Health Advisory Councils will host 28 workshops in 23 communities across Alberta starting in June,” said Fred Horne, MLA for Edmonton Rutherford, who was appointed by Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky to lead the consultation on behalf of government. “The workshops will offer an opportunity for in-depth, focused discussions with Albertans about what should be included in new health legislation.”
Each Council will invite a diverse cross-section of the community to attend, including youth, seniors, Albertans with disabilities, and local health care providers, for example. The program will include small group discussions on proposals for the health legislation made by the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health earlier this year. The topics will range from guiding principles and values to the proposed Alberta patient charter of rights and responsibilities, and will include other areas of interest to participants.
“These local workshops are only one of several ways to provide input,” added Horne. “Anyone who is not able to attend a community workshop is encouraged to go onto the website and provide their views through the on-line survey that’s posted.”
To date, there have been more than 3,150 visits to the site and more than 340 surveys have been completed by Albertans.
Albertans can find additional information on the consultation process, the schedule of community workshops and the survey at yourhealthact.alberta.ca. Albertans can also call 1-888-436-0986 for more information on the community sessions.
Horne and an advisory committee have also asked for written submissions from more than 100 health care provider groups, advocacy groups and other key stakeholders (see attached backgrounder). Many of these organizations and stakeholders will also be meeting with Horne and the advisory committee to share their views on a new Alberta Health Act.
“I encourage Albertans to participate and I also want to ensure everyone that our new legislation will respect the principles of the Canada Health Act,” said Gene Zwozdesky, Minister of Health and Wellness.
The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.
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Backgrounders:
• Health Advisory Councils’ consultation schedule
• Advisory Committee’s consultation list
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Fred Horne
MLA Edmonton Rutherford
780-414-1311
Andy Weiler
Communications
Health and Wellness
780-719-9325
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
The following document has been posted to the Government of Alberta website to view this document online and/or additional information/backgrounderhttp://www.alberta.ca//acn/201005/28420BCC0CB55-0B74-54EB-45CD9909C0DE0179.html
