Hello Friends,
It’s that time of year again, when the cold settles in, the days are short, and with the holidays past us we all start to count down the days until spring. However, along with the chilly weather comes a resurgence in cold, flu, and COVID cases. While I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, I also acknowledge that this has become a burden for many of us.
The government defunded the COVID vaccine program for most Albertans, and now individuals must pay $100 or more out-of-pocket to get their vaccine. Considering the proven protection for individuals and communities that the COVID vaccine provides, this decision is putting the lives of many at risk and increases the health care system’s costs.
Vaccines aren’t the only thing being defunded by the government. They have decided to transition to an American-style private healthcare system. This type of system enshrines unequal access and reduces the quality of healthcare, and ultimately, worsens health outcomes.
Wait times are too long for surgery, cancer, and other treatments, and it’s not okay. I talk to many Albertans who wait months for the care they need. We need a real plan from the government.
American-style health care isn’t going to solve anything. The number one cause of consumer bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical debt. We don’t want that here.
The government chose to focus their efforts on denying human rights instead of fixing real issues in healthcare like long wait times, a shortage of nurses and doctors, and poor patient outcomes.
It’s time to restore what was once a world-class healthcare system for all Albertans, and fix what the government broke.
Sincerely,
MLA Samir Kayande
MLA – Calgary Elbow Samir Kayande proudly serves the following Communities: Altadore, Bel-Aire , Britannia, Elbow Park, Elboya, Erlton, Garrison Green, Garrison Woods, Glamorgan, Lincoln Park, Lower Mount Royal, Marda Loop, Mayfair, Meadowlark Park, Mount Royal, North Glenmore Park, Parkhill, Rideau Park, River Park, Roxboro, South Calgary, Upper Mount Royal, Windsor Park
