Cabinet ministers visiting the province’s constituents is a good sign that the Conservative Party wants to reconnect with voters who have long supported the party but who have recently and publicly expressed a certain amount of discontent over a number of its decisions.
Health care is currently one of the most troubled areas in the Alberta political arena. In a few short years ambulance service has been centralized. Health regions have followed suite. A new protocol has been put in place and thus far it is off to a shaky start, excusing its foibles by saying it is a new system and those running it are still learning its ins and outs, just like the rest of us.
Certainly, the province proved that health services eat up a major part of the provincial budget, but whether or not this new direction will actually save funds, as promised, has not yet been proven. Instead, as is often the case, the changes that have come so swiftly have provoked a sense of fear among the populace. This fear can and has been flamed into panic when so little information is forthcoming.
For a premier who promised transparency in government as one of his campaign platforms, when it comes to health and wellness, precious little of that has been noticeable.
Of course, no one expected the economic downturn to happen. When Stelmach was voted into power, the province was one of the best places to live in the world with jobs aplenty. In fact, one of its biggest challenges was filling labour needs. Then the economy stuttered and crashed and our government officials have been trying to pick up the pieces. One of the things to fall by the wayside is infrastructure improvements, like the one announced for the Bow Island Health Centre. Months have become years, and still the ground has not been broken on this improvement.
The good stewards who have cared so lovingly for the hospital continue to nurse it along, and lets face it - she looks good for her age. Hopefully that will not be an excuse to put off promised and other needed improvements.
Those who took such pride in ensuring this building was lovingly cared for over the years don’t deserve to have hospital improvement put on the back-burner because they did a good job.
Likewise, hopefully this visit will give our local pharmacy another chance to question the powers that be about the situation Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy-Phase 2 has caused.
The new health minister has his work cut out for him.
Another issue that might be addressed is the future of Forty Mile Park. Rumours about that a portion of the park might be taken on by the province. Certainly the ministers will tour the park, but whether this topic is on the agenda is anybody’s guess.
In Medicine Hat, it is likely health care will also be on the minds of many who await upgrades to the city hospital, and one that many of us in the regions that surround it depend on for several services. They will also be looking at the proposed detox centre sites.
Whatever the topics discussed, the cabinet minister’s visit is likely to improve the communications between the Conservatives and their grass root followers, many of whom have been so dissatisfied of late. Leaving a void of silence, or answering a question with political gobbledygook has not been a good strategy for the party. Reaching out to everyday people and attempting to understand their issues and problems is a step in the right direction.
After all, there is much more to Alberta than Edmonton and Calgary.