Alberta's "two-tier" challenge to public healthcare

Starting in the fall, Albertans will be able to pay out of pocket for surgery. The government of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the move will allow people to get off waitlists, thereby getting people the surgeries they need while also shortening lists for those who can't pay. Critics, however, say it creates a health system that prioritizes the rich over the poor, and siphons resources from the public system, resulting in those who can't pay having to deal with even more understaffed hospitals and longer waits. Many also say it's a blatant violation of the Canada Health Act.  Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Andrew Longhurst, a senior researcher and political economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives about the legislation, what it means for the future of healthcare in Canada, and why the federal government seems to be doing nothing about it. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.