Letter to the Hon. Iris Evans


EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is renewing its call for greater choice and sustainability in Alberta's health care system.

In a letter delivered today to Hon. Iris Evans, Minister of Health and Wellness during a Health Policy Framework stakeholder meeting, CTF-Alberta director, Scott Hennig urged the government to address the skyrocketing costs of our current health care system, abolish the health care premium tax and allow private health alternatives.

"In 1987-88, health spending was 25 per cent of all Alberta government program spending. Now, health spending makes up 37 per cent of all program spending, and growing by two percentage points every year. At this pace health care spending in Alberta should reach 50 per cent off all spending by the 2012-13 provincial budget," wrote Hennig.

The CTF also notes that health care premiums are harming attempts to reform health care. "In addition to being an unnecessary and regressive tax, health care premiums hide the true cost of health care to most Albertans," continued Hennig.

However, the CTF's greatest concern was reserved for the lack of choice within our current health care system. "Fundamentally, Albertans should have the right to spend their own after-tax dollars on anything they want or need - including health care. Why should Albertans be able to spend their after-tax dollars on alcohol, cigarettes, and gambling but not health care Why should Albertans be able to pay for a surgery for their sick dog, yet not be allowed to pay for a surgery for their sick child or grandchild " concluded Hennig.

A copy of the full letter to Hon. Iris Evens can be found on-line by Clicking here.