“Say thank you”

@todmaffin

Somewhere between the balcony applause and ER hallways, we lost the plot.

♬ original sound – Tod Maffin

Add your voice – Friends of Medicare

Alberta has passed Bill 11, which allows for a two-tier healthcare system to exist. The result will see people with the necessary finances paying to jump the healthcare queue while those without such monetary resources waiting longer for their medical care.

With this reality taking shape in Alberta, the potential is that other provinces might follow suit.  To prevent this from happening, please consider sending this letter to Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel asking her to enforce the Canada Health Act.

Primary Care – What do we know?

In this video, Dr. Braden Manns highlights some things that are known about improving Canada’s primary care for patients, families, physicians….everyone.

@bradenmannsyyc

We know what works in primary care: planning, teams, and payment reform. The challenge is doing it at scale. Check out my substack for what the experts say needs to be done, and listen to Dr. Kiran’s podcast, the link is in my bio. #healthcarecanada #primarycare #ontariohealthcare

♬ original sound – bradenmannsyyc – bradenmannsyyc

Add Your Voice

“Bill 11 opens the door to two-tier, Americanized health care in Canada. We urgently need action from the Federal Government to safeguard our public health care and protect patients by speaking out against the Alberta government’s Bill 11 and enforcing the Canada Health Act.”  Click here to add your voice.

Alberta –  Dual practice medical model for several surgeries

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

In September, Alberta will be going to a dual practice medical model. This will allow doctors to bill surgeries to both public and private systems. The claim is that this dual system will reduce surgical wait times for patients. Will it?

If you have not read Stephen Hunt’s article, you may wish to do so.

Canada’s first public dementia-inclusive park to open in Calgary

Conceptual design of the dementia-inclusive park.PHOTO SUPPLIED: CALGARY PARK FOUNDATION

“The Martin Family Legacy Garden hopes to create a sense of belonging for all who join the space, keeping inclusivity and support at the forefront. The hope is that the park will act as an inspiration for other projects by promoting thoughtful design and accessibility.”

https://calgaryjournal.ca/2026/04/12/canadas-first-public-dementia-inclusive-park-projected-to-open-in-calgary-in-fall/

As Food Prices Climb, Dispatches from the Aisles | The Tyee

“‘Food insecurity cannot be addressed with food. It must be addressed via income….We can’t ‘food bank’ our way out of food insecurity, we can’t ‘decrease food waste’ our way out of food insecurity, we can’t ‘smart shopping’ our way out of food insecurity.'”

Click here to read this Tyee article.

Will other hospitals do the same?

Photo by    www.kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/plush-toy-in-top-of-blankets-4886897/

If you are in an emergency room on Vancouver Island and see carts being wheeled around filled with items such as blankets, neck pillows, and stuffed animals, you are probably in one of urgent care facilities that are implementing “Comfort Carts.” The single-use items on the cart are given to seniors as way to help individuals feel more comfortable as they wait to receive healthcare. “‘And gosh, does it ever feel good when you see the smile on a senior’s face, or the comfort, that look of relief when you ­provide those kinds of items to a senior in distress.'”

Click here to read more about this initiative.

Immigrants and Healthcare Problems?

@cole.notcole challenges the claim that immigrants are the reason for Alberta’s healthcare woes.

Question from The Gritty Nurse

“Experts have already proven that dual-tier systems don’t fix wait times; they just prioritize profit over people. Why are we following like sheep when we should be leading the world in public health?”

@thegrittynursepodcast

Danielle Smith is leading Alberta into a den of hungry wolves. 🐺💔 While the US faces a massive healthcare brain drain and a collapse of institutional trust, the UCP is trying to import that exact failing model to Alberta. 🏥📉 This isn’t “innovation”—it’s the “Maple MAGA” agenda in full swing. Experts have already proven that dual-tier systems don’t fix wait times; they just prioritize profit over people. Why are we following like sheep when we should be leading the world in public health? 🇨🇦✨ It’s time to stop the greed and start investing in our communities again. Share this to spread the truth. #Alberta #DanielleSmith #healthcare #public #peopleoverprofit

♬ original sound – The Gritty Nurse (Amie Varley)