EDMONTON – Members of Alberta’s largest public sector union are disappointed with the premier’s response to serious allegations of backroom deals and inappropriate procurement practices in the province’s health ministry.
AUPE Vice-President Curtis Jackson says whether Premier Danielle Smith wants to acknowledge it or not, her actions and the actions of her government to privatize our health care system is what has led them down this road.
Jackson says this is why it is so important to maintain publicly delivered healthcare because contracting and privatization only seeks to make a profit. When people come second to profit, transparency and accountability – this is what you get.
“The premier knows she is on thin ice and cannot simply say she is not involved when she has publicly defended accepting the Oilers tickets – and attending the games – which is the entire basis of the alleged corruption and bribery scandal,” Jackson says. "The shady deals in which private interests seek to profit off of public health care must end. Publicly delivered health care is transparent and accountable and is the health care Canadians are proud of."
More than 82,000 AUPE members are in active negotiations with the government, fighting for fair wages, benefits, job security and better working conditions. The premier’s lack of accountability and transparency is a slap in the face of every working Albertans who is working short and burning out to keep delivering quality public services.
“Our members continue to focus on giving Albertans their very best in public health care facilities across the province. AUPE will continue to demand better contracts for health care workers at the bargaining table where contract negotiation belongs and not in luxury boxes at hockey games,” Jackson said.
In light of the allegations and the government’s response, AUPE members rallied in solidarity with other public sector workers outside Health Minister Adriana LaGrange’s constituency office in Red Deer Feb. 8 to call for her resignation.
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AUPE Vice-President Curtis Jackson will be available to media for comment. Photos from Red Deer rally on Feb. 8 are also available upon request.
Media inquiries
Maureen Mariampillai (she/her)
AUPE Communications Officer
(c) 780-904-1158
m.mariampillai@aupe.org