LET’S PUT OUR SENIORS FIRST

Seniors have always had a special place in our society. That’s why it’s to be hoped the NDP’s new program for continuing care projects puts residents’ interests at the forefront.

“For a long time, we saw the lion’s share be delivered through private companies,” Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said recently.

“I think it’s time we look at some public delivery as well, and I don’t think it will surprise people that will be a component within our new model moving forward.”

Fair enough, but if there’s no improvement to residents’ quality of life and costs increase, then the change would be evidence of the NDP being driven by ideology, rather than a demonstration of genuine regard for the Albertans they were elected to serve.

Many of the existing seniors’ facilities, for instance, were constructed under the previous government’s model of the public putting up 50 per cent of construction costs and the remainder being covered by its partners, either non-profit groups or private businesses.

It’s hard to imagine the NDP is going to save money with its exercise, which we’re told has been two years in the making.

Besides, the NDP has already sliced $883 million from its current capital fund for building schools, health facilities and other projects.

What purpose is there in overhauling how seniors’ care homes are financed when you can’t live up to existing construction commitments?

Albertans have cause to suspect the revamping of seniors’ care facilities is about the NDP’s desire to ensure government has its hand in everything, usually to the benefit of its friends in organized labour.

It was Hoffman, remember, who overrode Alberta Health Service’s plan to outsource more of its laundry services, planning to squander millions of dollars updating aging facilities to save unionized jobs.

It shouldn’t be assumed a private company can’t handle laundry, and nor should it be believed a non-profit agency or a specialized private company can’t capably care for seniors.

“If you want to change the status quo, you should be able to present a business case, and I asked for evidence ... not unlike other decisions I have put on hold or cancelled,” Hoffman said in 2016 of her decision to reject AHS’s recommendation to have more of its laundry washed by the private sector. Albertans demand no less of Hoffman. She must present the business case for reforming how seniors’ care facilities are financed.

If there isn’t one, it’s just meddling.