Updated: Wed Jul. 15 2009 22:56:53
ctvedmonton.ca
The MLA of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo is turning against his own government over long-term care facility policies.
In an e-mail made public Wednesday, Guy Boutilier tells a concerned resident in his riding he's frustrated the province has delayed handing out $35 Million for a 48-bed Fort McMurray long-term care facility, while Alberta Health Services reviews capital projects. There's no word on when construction will begin.
"The government has decided to postpone that decision and I believe that is the wrong decision," he told CTV on Wednesday.
The road block has prompted Boutilier to help Friends of Medicare mount a protest against his government, which is slated to take place in front of Fort McMurray's Alberta Provincial Building at noon on July 31st.
While Boutilier says the demonstration was not his idea, his on-line exploits confirm he will support it, even suggesting the location for the rally. The MLA writes, "it should be held at the Provincial Building where government is located."
News of Boutilier's actions caught the attention of Ed Stelmach's office.
"The premier will be interested in reading those remarks," said Tom Olsen.
"They are curious absolutely curious."
But while the province may be perplexed, Friends of Medicare Executive Director David Eggen is applauded the move, saying he hopes more provincial officials start coming forward with concerns.
"These comments I think are indicative of the frustration these MLAS are feeling around the province, especially in the rural areas - not knowing where the future of their health facilities are going to go," he said.
Eggen doesn't believe this problem is isolated to Fort McMurray, and worries other previously announced long-term care facility projects throughout the province will be cancelled and existing facilities will be closed down.
He argues too many long-term care patients are either ending up in hospital beds or in other cities because there are no care centres in their communities available to meet their needs.
-With Files from Kevin Armstrong
