UC leadership candidates vow health reforms

EDMONTON — Two of the leadership candidates for Alberta’s United Conservatives said they will pursue more private-care options to fix a broken health-care system.

Jason Kenney said his father died waiting for care and that access to a long waiting list is not access to care.

He was speaking to about 500 people at leadership debate on Thursday.

“My dad, if he was picked up off a sidewalk as a heroin addict, would have been treated faster at a county hospital in Detroit than he was here in Calgary.”

All four candidates said restructuring is vital for a system that is spending $21.5 billion a year, but is not delivering the outcomes.

Candidate Doug Schweitzer said simpler surgical procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, can be effectively delivered for less money.

Brian Jean recounted how his adult son died amid confusion in the health system. He said a wholesale reorganization is needed to reduce management and improve service.

Jeff Callaway said a reorganization is critical for a system that has become politicized.

This was the second of five debates among the leaders. The party will pick a new leader on Oct. 28.

The United Conservatives were created in July, when Jean’s Wildrose party and Kenney’s Progressive Conservatives voted to merge.