Use health care premiums to foster partnerships and innovation

With all the uncertainty that clouds our provinces economic future, the debate around the possible reintroduction of health care premiums is a welcome one. Politics and ideology aside, the provincial government could actually use part of the premiums to stimulate and strengthen innovative partnerships in health care delivery, rather than wholly supplementing an existing infrastructure that many acknowledge needs an overhaul, or even worse going into the general treasury.

Alberta is home to a strong non-profit sector. In fact, many non-profit and charitable organizations currently provide essential programs and services that directly impact the health and wellness of Albertans. CNIB, for example, is more than a social service organization, but provides specialized rehabilitation to the visually-impaired so that they can regain as much independence and mobility as possible. Although groups like ours receive some support from the provincial government, many operate with a sense of anxiety as funding grants expire year after year.

Additional funding from health care premiums can be used to revamp these partnerships and address impending matters that will affect our province today and tomorrow. For example, more than 52,000 Albertans currently live with blindness or partial sight, and more than 630,000 live with a major eye disease. With our provinces growing and aging population, these figures will grow. One way or another, the province will need to respond.

Rather than acting alone, the Alberta government can tap into this broad network of organizations that are equipped and ready to help.

Partnerships with the non-profit sector should never be viewed as expenditures, but as sound investments that can stimulate innovation and growth. Like any other type of investment, the onus is on our sector to ensure that there is a solid return and impact on the system such as fewer emergency room visits, or more free beds in critical or long-term care. Many groups are ready to take on this challenge.

John McDonald is the executive director of CNIB Alberta and Northwest Territories.