The Alberta government is implementing a rapid action plan to transition Alberta’s surgical system by putting patients first. Alberta is a leader in Canada in partnering with chartered surgical facilities to increase access to much-needed surgeries. These accredited chartered surgical facilities, which currently deliver about 17% of surgeries performed in Alberta, have been offering publicly funded surgeries in our province since the 1990s. Chartered surgical facilities in Edmonton will provide about 35,000 cataract and other eye procedures under new contracts with AHS this coming year. This is a 25% increase over last year. These measures will reduce wait times and build resilience and capacity in our health care system. Performing these ophthalmological surgeries in community clinics frees up operating room space in hospitals for more complex surgeries. Budget 2022 provides $133 million over three years to expand and build new operating rooms in hospitals throughout the province. A new independent surgical recovery lead has been established to oversee, track, and provide dedicated focus to surgical recovery. The new lead will keep government and AHS on task and accountable to ensure patients receive better surgical care faster, based on recommended wait times.
Beginning this September, all K to 3 students will learn new Mathematics and English Language Arts and Literature curriculums, while all K to 6 students will learn from a new Physical Education and Wellness curriculum. These three subjects in Alberta’s new K to 6 curriculum are critical starting points that will set students on the best path for success. The Alberta government updated these curriculum areas to ensure that our youngest students have the literacy and numeracy skills essential for early years learning. These updates were refined using feedback from Albertans and education system partners, and after reviewing world-class research on literacy in young learners. Pandemic-related learning disruptions make it more important than ever to focus on foundational reading, writing, and speaking skills for early learners. To prepare elementary teachers to teach the new curriculum this fall, in 2022-2023, $59 million is being invested in teacher professional learning and learning & teaching resources for both teachers and students. This funding is part of a $191 million investment over three years to support curriculum implementation across Alberta.
Have a wonderful summer!
Mike Ellis, MLA Calgary-West
Community Stampede Breakfast: Aspen Landing – Sunday, July 10, 9:00 am
MLA – Calgary West Mike Ellis proudly serves the following Communities: Aspen Estates, Aspen Woods, Christie Park, Discovery Ridge, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill, Strathcona
