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Laurie in Debate

Bill 41: Health Professions Statutes Amendment Act, 2007

Bill 41: Health Professions Statutes Amendment Act, 2007 Third Reading debate in the 26th Legislature of Alberta, 3rd Session by Ms. Laurie Blakeman, MLA Edmonton-Centre

Alberta Hansard – December 04, 2007

Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak at third, in which I am speaking about the anticipated effect of the bill once enacted. I have to say, looking back at this, that the original version of the bill, the idea of the bill, the principle of it was one-quarter good and three-quarters bad.

Then we went through a series of amendments in Committee of the Whole, and again I think there was good intention behind two- thirds of the amendments, and one-third didn’t come up to the mark for me. I think there is still more about this bill that I am not comfort-able with. I’m not willing to go forward with it.

A number of people have spoken about the anticipated effect upon our self-regulated professions. I agree with all of that. I’ve raised those issues. I think this continues to be very problematic for the government. I would not want to be in the Minister of Health and Wellness’s shoes at this point. I can tell you that if I am wearing the Health and Wellness minister’s shoes after an election this spring, I would be repealing section 135.1 through to 135.3. I would in fact stand behind that at this point. It just is not right to me, what is being anticipated in this bill. I think it’s wrong. The minister giving himself or herself additional powers without the corresponding responsibility and accountability is not good government, as far as I’m concerned.

I’ve thought about this a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time in debate on this bill now, and I can’t support it. I won’t support it. Thank you for the opportunity to put those comments on the record.

If I could just ask if there is unanimous agreement to waive Standing Order 32( 1) for any upcoming division bells, which would bring the division bells down to one minute. Is it possible to have that agreement?

An Hon. Member: Pardon?

Ms Blakeman: Well, we’ve all been in here for a good long time.