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thejasperlocal.com
LOCAL + independent
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saturday, february 15, 2020 // ISSUE 163
Local nurses say no to health care cuts Members of the United Nurses of Alberta union took to the streets of Jasper to hold Valentine’s Day pickets and information sessions on February 13.
MOONLIGHT MAGIC // MICHAL JURIK FINDS A LINE ON TANGLE FALLS UNDER A FULL MOON ALONG THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY. // LADA D PHOTOGRAPHY
“Healthcare workers are the heart of Alberta’s health care system,” said Jenna Broder, a registered nurse at the Seton Healthcare Centre. The nurses were joined by members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) members and Teamsters from CN to advocate for their profession and demonstrate their unhappiness with the United Conservative Party’s plans to lay off hundreds of Alberta nurses. In late November, Alberta Health Services (AHS) told labour groups that approximately 500 full-time nursing positions will be eliminated over the next three years. “When people voted conservative they weren’t voting for health cuts,” said UNA member Jenna Broder. “They’re absolutely crippling the system.” UCP MLA Martin Long was in Jasper February 11 to update the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce on what his office has been up to. After his visit, he spoke to The Jasper Local about austerity measures he said the government has had to introduce. “Most of our ministries have come in and tried to find efficiencies,” he said. “People in government services had grown accustomed to spending.” Continued on Page A3