UCP agenda focus of SACPA talk
By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 26, 2024.
The UCP government has been working at a frenzied pace, which some believe is causing more chaos for Albertans.This was the topic for this week’s Southern Alberta Council of Public Affairs meeting Thursday in the dining room of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization.
Jason Foster, director of Parkland Institute at University of Alberta and professor of human resources of labour relations at Athabasca University, led the conversation.
Foster says the government is making so many prominent changes in such a short amount of time and it is an intentional to push through their agenda of power and authority.
“They are intentionally creating this chaos and trying to overwhelm us in order to push through a longer-term political agenda and it’s a political agenda about centralizing control in provincial government,” said Foster.
Foster added the provincial government is undermining sources of power and authority and credibility in the interest of privatization and dimmish public services.
One of the areas we see this is the attempt to do away with Alberta Health Services.
Foster says instead of investing in ways to improve AHS, the government is intentionally working on undermining Albertans’ faith in AHS to pave the way for privatization.
“They could focus their energies on fixing the healthcare system, on getting us more doctors, getting us more spaces in ERs so people aren’t having to wait for hours on end. These are all practicable problems that can be fixed. They are choosing to ignore them because they have this other agenda, they’re willing to pursue instead,” said Foster.
While things may be hectic at the moment, not all is lost. Albertan’s still have a say in what their government does, Foster says.
Foster says if Albertan’s aren’t happy, they need to speak up.
“If Albertans speak up, the government will back down,” said Foster.
Foster added it’s crucial to keep plugging away, as you never know when change will happen.
“Change can happen very quickly. Change can happen unexpectedly, so we keep plugging away until it happens,” said Foster.
The next SACPA meeting will discuss how to disagree without being cruel, which will take place on Oct. 31 beginning at noon at the Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization behind City Hall. 2
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