Skip to main content

Uber analogy for continuing care does not mean more privatization: Alberta premier

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to dignitaries after turning the sod on the new Calgary Flames arena in Calgary, Alta., Monday, July 22, 2024. (Jeff McIntosh) Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to dignitaries after turning the sod on the new Calgary Flames arena in Calgary, Alta., Monday, July 22, 2024. (Jeff McIntosh)
Share

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her plan to "Uber-ize" and replace the province's online continuing care directory is aimed at making it easier for patients to navigate, and the analogy shouldn't be taken too far.

It comes a day after Smith announced at a continuing care conference she aims to create a new platform that works much like the ride-hailing and food delivery service.

It's part of the provincial government's health-care system overhaul that will see the responsibility for continuing care shift from the Health Ministry to Seniors and Social Services.

Smith's Uber analogy sparked concern from public health care advocates and the Opposition NDP that further privatization plans are afoot.

Smith says there are no plans to change the current provision model.

Alberta Health Services currently offers an online directory that allows Albertans to search for spaces by name, location and type of care, but Smith says there's a demand for more transparency to make sure all vacant spaces are posted.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Israel says it has killed top Hamas leader Yayha Sinwar in Gaza

Israeli forces in Gaza killed top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of last year’s attack on Israel that sparked the war, the military said Thursday. Troops appeared to have run across him unknowingly in a battle, only to discover afterwards that a body in the rubble was Israel’s most wanted man.

Meta attempts to crack down on sextortion in new campaign

Meta has launched a new campaign to protect teens and children from social media sextortion scams. It’s designed to help teenagers and their parents easily spot online scammers, who trick young people into sending intimate photos and use financial blackmail, threatening exposure.

Stay Connected