Statement by Calgary-Varsity UCP Candidate on Health Care Work Force

(May 13, 2023) — Jason Copping, UCP candidate for Calgary-Varsity, issued the following statement today:

“The NDP had four years to address the challenges in our health system when they were government. They did not.

“The NDP keep demonstrating they have no plan of their own and continue to copy our policies and approach to ensure every Albertan has access to the care they need where and when they need it.

“We have already announced a $1,200 non-refundable tax credit for targeted skilled trades and professions under our Alberta is Calling campaign plan last week. We also announced a Graduation Retention Tax Credit of $3,000 to $10,000 for students in qualified high-demand professions to stay and work in Alberta after graduation.

“This platform commitment builds on our government’s Workforce Strategy which is already showing results. Just this week, the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) announced the 1,413 internationally educated nurses are ready to join our frontline teams since April 2023, when our pilot plan began. 

“We now have the largest number of nurses registered in our province’s history.

“Our Health Care Action Plan is also showing results. As recently as yesterday, AHS released data that Alberta’s EMS response times and capacity have improved through the start of 2023.

“Rachel Notley and the NDP didn’t deliver on health care when they were elected, and their most recent plan provides little in the way of new ideas. 

“Our plan is working. A re-elected United Conservative government will continue to do everything we can to provide the best health care to Albertans where and when they need it.”

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