Tom Graham, President, CUPE Saskatchewan

“Passing more costs to patients and draining the public health care system of resources and professionals is not about innovation or choice; it is the return to the days before Medicare,” wrote Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan, in a letter to the editor challenging the provincial government’s introduction of two-tier health care with user-pay MRI scan legislation.

Graham noted other jurisdictions that have experimented with private pay-per-use scans witnessed an overall increase in wait times, while investment in the public health care system has reduced Saskatchewan’s wait times.

“This [user-pay MRIs] is completely contrary to the founding principle of Medicare that need, not one’s ability to pay, should determine access to care.”

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Join Dr. Morina Rennie and Dr. Bill Bonner for a presentation about how key data on the costs of the Regina Waste Water Treatment Plant public private partnership (P3) have never been disclosed.

Rennie and Bonner are professors from the University of Regina School of Business who have studied the publicly released documents on Regina’s first P3. They will discuss what was said, what we know and what we don’t know about the P3 costs.

Town Hall
June 1, 2015
7:00 p.m.
The Artesian (2627 13th Ave, REGINA)

Event hosted by: Regina Water Watch

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Tom Graham, President, CUPE Saskatchewan

The introduction of user-pay MRI scan legislation by the Government of Saskatchewan is the beginning of two-tier health care, says CUPE.

“Allowing those able to pay for private MRI scans to get access to health care more quickly – regardless of need – is the introduction of two-tier health care,” said Tom Graham, President of CUPE Saskatchewan. “While those with large wallets can get MRIs quickly, the rest of us will have to wait.”

Graham pointed to provinces that have experimented with the pay-per-use model where studies have shown an increase in overall wait times. In Alberta, the private pay-per-use model resulted in a contravention of the Canada Health Act and the province was forced to repay patients for medically necessary MRI scans.

The union has further concerns with private MRI operators poaching health care professionals from the public system which already experiences staff shortages from private clinics.

“Legislation that allows people to jump the queue and causes the poaching of health care professionals from the public system will lead to reduced access to health care and longer wait lists,” said Graham. “Passing off more costs to patients and draining the public health care system is not innovative, it’s privatization.”

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It’s been nine years of job losses, health care privatization, falling wages, and environmental neglect. It’s time for change. Join a compelling line-up of speakers to learn how you can inspire democratic participation in your community.

Together, we can choose a government that creates good jobs, invests in public health care, addresses climate change, and so much more.

Go vote for the change you want: Public forum on the state of our democracy

Wednesday, May 13, 2015
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Roxy Theatre
320 20th St W
Saskatoon

Click here for a free event ticket.

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Time for Change Tour, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)

By working together, we can elect a new federal government that puts jobs, health care, child care and seniors first.

Join us for a time for change event in your community to see how you can get involved. These short and fun events will be a great opportunity to meet fellow labour activists in your community and pick up materials to help reach out to members in your workplace.

Saskatoon – May 19, 2015

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Delta Bessborough
Battleford Ballroom
601 Spadina Crescent

Click here to RSVP.

 
Regina – May 19, 2015

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Ramada Plaza
Canadian Ballroom
1818 Victoria Avenue

Click here to RSVP.

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