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2010 Mar 25 (Thu)

Alberta Health Services Budget

Kevin questions the Minister of Health and Wellness on Alberta Health Services' claims of extravagant efficiency savings.

 

667 Alberta Hansard Thursday March 25, 2010

Dr. Taft: Mr. Speaker, for many months the Alberta Health Services superboard has claimed $650 million to $700 million in annual efficiency savings since taking over the health regions, but I’m beginning to think these claims are bogus. We’ve asked in writing, in meetings, in committees, and in the Legislature for details. At most the replies have accounted for less than 10 per cent of the claim. In other words, Alberta Health Services has fallen 90 per cent short on accountability. To the Minister of Health and Wellness: will the minister either provide details on where this $700 million came from, or will he finally admit the claims are bogus?

Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, I’m well aware of the comments made by Alberta Health Services regarding the savings that they anticipate will be made. They remain in that estimated figure of $600 million to $700 million. As soon as I receive that information in a little more detail, I’d be happy to provide it to that member.

Dr. Taft: Well, will the minister explain what seems to be a contradiction in that the superboard says that it’s found $700 million in annual savings but still needed a $1.3 billion top-up? Was, then, the total deficit of Alberta Health Services really $2 billion?

Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, $1.3 billion was not a top-up, and the member should know this if he pretends to know anything about health care. It was a deficit.

Ms Blakeman: You won’t give us the information.

Mr. Zwozdesky: I’ve given the information, hon. members. The hon. member over there knows it. If you’ve read estimates, you’d have it. The point here is that if you were looking for $1.3 billion of savings, if we hadn’t covered it, I challenge this member to tell me where he would find those cuts because you won’t find them, and you know darn well you won’t.

Dr. Taft: Well, since we’re challenging each other here, Mr. Speaker, if the $700 million in savings which Ken Hughes of the superboard claimed again just a couple of weeks ago in his speech are not true, I challenge this minister to hold Ken Hughes to account. Will he do that?

Mr. Zwozdesky: Mr. Speaker, that information will come out. It’s been offered publicly that there’s a commitment to say it. [interjections] If you’d just keep quiet for a moment, I’ll finish answering the question.

The point here is that there are savings going forward here as part of the five-year funding plan, and they’ve identified those areas, and we will see them. So just hang tight. Don’t get too excited over there. It’ll happen.

 

 

Date: Thu Mar 25 21:59:51 MDT 2010 Author: Rebecca IP: 68.149.137.22