By rdnewsNOW staff

Notley pledges 2,000 new long-term care beds if re-elected

Mar 21, 2019 | 5:17 PM

Red Deer NDP candidates Barb Miller and Kim Schreiner are applauding their party’s pledge to open 2,000 more long-term care beds across Alberta should they be re-elected on April 16.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley made the announcement Thursday at a seniors centre in Lethbridge.

Notley says the $170 million investment ensures the new beds are added over the next five years and the existing ones are kept, benefiting seniors and their families as well as jobs for health care professionals.

“We have been fighting to support seniors in this community,” said Miller. “Committing to 2,000 more long-term care beds in Alberta goes to show that we are not done. This will go a long way to reducing wait times. Seniors are the backbone of our province, and they deserve access to good, high-quality facilities that are located close to family and friends.”

“I am so proud of this announcement,” added Schreiner. “I worked in seniors care for years and I understand just how important these beds will be not only for our seniors so that they can stay here in our incredible community, but also for our hardworking health care aides who take care of our loved ones.”

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During her speech in Lethbridge, Notley accused United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney of wanting an American-style health care system that costs people more.

“Jason Kenney wants to privatize public health care and make it so the quality of care available to Albertans depends on how much money they have,” added Schreiner. “That is completely unacceptable, and that’s why we will continue to fight for all Albertans.”

(Troy Gillard, with file from The Canadian Press and Alberta NDP media release)