BOW VALLEY – The local United Conservative Party candidate for Banff-Kananaskis isn’t backing down from comments she made last October in support of creating a two-tiered healthcare system.
During a party nomination debate on Oct. 17, Miranda Rosin suggested people who can afford to pay for private healthcare should be able to do so.
“I think we need to look at a two-tiered system, so that we can get those who have worked hard for their money out of the system if they would like to,” said Rosin, during the nomination debate in Canmore.
Her comments resurfaced last week after MLA Cam Westhead released an audio clip from the nomination debate. The Outlook was also in attendance at the event and can independently verify her comments.
When reached for comment, Rosin avoided stating whether she stood by her comments, insisting instead that the UCP is committed to a publicly funded healthcare system.
“We are going to maintain all of our healthcare spending, if not increase it, and invest in the front lines and that’s all that matters,” said Rosin, during a brief stop at Lawrence Grassi Middle School on Tuesday (March 5).
“What we should be talking about is looking at the record of the past government, not talking about words that were said during a forum that have nothing to do with anything relevant to this election.”
Westhead slammed Rosin for her original comments in a press release on Feb. 25.
“Whether you wear a fur coat or no coat at all, in Alberta, everyone deserves world-class healthcare. There are no second-class citizens in our province,” said Westhead in a press release. “It’s shameful that the UCP thinks only the rich work hard and deserve health care. Jason Kenney has pushed for private healthcare for decades.”
In response, Rosin provided a list of unattributed concerns about the poor levels of health care provided to Albertans under the NDP.
“Instead of spreading mistruths about the United Conservative Party, perhaps Mr. Westhead could explain to the people of Banff-Kananaskis, why health care performance has fallen so dramatically under the NDP’s single term in government.”
