Frustrated health-care workers and their supporters will take their plight south this weekend to the ears of lawmakers behind proposed cuts.
“It’s up to us to dig deeper and expose the myths behind this,” newly elected Alberta Union of Provincial Employees president Guy Smith said. “Albertans need to know the truth.”
Hundreds of AUPE members and Friends of Medicare supporters from Edmonton and Calgary will rally outside the Progressive Conservative convention in Red Deer on Saturday.
The collective group dubbed the “Stop the Cuts” coalition hope their presence will inspire grassroots delegates to question the rationality behind proposed cuts to public services, namely, beds at Alberta Hospital.
Smith says frustration on the impending closures is growing among members, as the government hasn’t provided any explanation other than the measures will improve patient care and save money.
“We know that’s not true,” Smith said.
Group members speculate the intention of patient moves may concern sprawling hospital’s land value.
“It’s probably being eyed by land developers,” he said. “It’s hard to find someone who’s going to come back and give us an honest answer.”
