“If the minister can step in on executive bonuses, he can step in for home care.”
EDMONTON – Now that Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne has made it clear he is willing to direct policy at Alberta Health Services, he should instruct the agency to reverse the privatization of home care. That was the message from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) today.
Over the last two weeks, a number of non-profit home care providers have been given notice that they will be replaced by private, out of province providers. In the case of Abby Road co-op, disabled residents have been successfully managing their own care for decades.
Fred Horne has refused to comment on this issue.
CUPE Alberta President Marle Roberts said employees at Abby Road, Strathmore Lodge and other facilities have been given termination notices and told they can re-apply for their jobs, but at a lower rate of pay, and without pensions.
“Patients and caregivers who have worked together for years are being torn apart,” said Roberts. “Giving the system to private operators means putting the bottom line ahead of good care.”
“If the minister can step in on executive bonuses, he can step in for the residents of Abby Road, Strathmore Lodge and numerous other home care patients around the province.”
Contact: Lou Arab, Communications Representative
780.271.2722
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