Government Acts Quickly On Health Committee Report
February 5, 2010
Edmonton … Consultation on developing a new Alberta Health Act will begin immediately with legislation expected later this fall.
The Government of Alberta has accepted the recommendations from the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health report.“The committee’s report proposes a new foundation for health based on a clear commitment to our public health system and clarity about what Albertans can expect from it,” said Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky. “Albertans want greater certainty in how the public health care system will function and they want the complete assurance they will have a meaningful say in its development. I can assure you that we will provide those opportunities.”
The committee released its 48-page report on January 20 centred around four recommendations:
• articulate a set of principles that must be sustained and maintained throughout Alberta’s health system;
• legislate an Alberta Health Act for the future;
• ensure ongoing citizen engagement in the development of legislation, regulation and policy  including the development of a patient charter; and
• develop clear directions to guide legislative, regulatory, policy and program delivery changes across the health system.
“We will move quickly to consult with Albertans on the recommendations,” said Zwozdesky. ”I am appointing Fred Horne, MLA for Edmonton-Rutherford and co-chair of the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health, to lead this process on behalf of government and to begin it immediately. He will coordinate an inclusionary consultation process with Albertans regarding overarching principles to be included in the Alberta Health Act, the proposed patient charter, evidence-based decision-making, and mechanisms for ongoing consultation and dialogue with the public.”
A blueprint that reflects the feedback from Albertans, and includes a detailed plan to move forward will be presented to the Minister by September 30, 2010.
The Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health report is available at www.health.alberta.ca
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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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Gene Zwozdesky, Minister
Health and Wellness
780-446-1144 (cell)
Fred Horne, Co-chair
Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health
780-414-1311
Andy Weiler
Health and Wellness Communications
780-719-9325 (cell)
