Alta. Tories to privatize health care: opposition

A leaked document shows the Stelmach government is going to expand private health care in the province following the next election, say Alberta's opposition parties.

The document, shoved under the doors of the Liberals' office in a brown envelope, is titled "Alberta's Health Legislation Moving Forward."

The legislation expands the role of private health insurance and allows doctors to work in both the public and the private system, said leader David Swann.

"It's the first time I have seen in print from this government any evidence that they are even considering this private approach to healthcare."

The 27-page document is a strategic plan to introduce legislation and then try to boost public confidence, Swann said.

Dated July 12, 2010, the document lays out principles now part of Albertas new health act, scheduled to be passed into law Tuesday.

The document then outlines "Phase 2," which talks about policy changes to be introduced by the government, some of which may be seen as compromising theCanada Health Act.

Independent MLA Raj Sherman said he saw the document during the summer when he was still a government member and assistant to the health minister.

The document was largely a discussion paper, Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said.

"I said no to anything that is contrary to the Canada Health Act and I said no to anything else that would compromise that."

Zwozdesky says the Alberta Health Act will make it necessary for the public to be consulted if any changes to the system are proposed in the future.

The document leak comes a day before Zwozdesky and the acting President of Alberta Health Services are to outline a new five-year action plan for health.

The plan, to be released Tuesday, is expected to cover a wide range of health-care issues.