Mr. Speaker, as Canadians, we value equity and fairness, and our health system reflects those values, guaranteeing that all Canadians, no matter where they live, will get quality, publicly delivered, universally accessible health care. However, in Alberta our cherished public health system is under attack. This attack is affecting women's lives and livelihoods disproportionately.
This week, we learned that due to the cuts Jason Kenney has made to health care, the maternity clinic in Medicine Hat is closing its doors. This clinic provides 9,000 prenatal visits per year. In addition, it was announced that 11,000 Alberta health service jobs, primarily in laboratories, housekeeping, food services and laundry, will be cut. These positions are predominantly held by women. In March, we called these workers “essential”, and now they are just another casualty in our premier's war on public health care.
Will the minister commit to protecting women in Alberta and the rest of Canada? Will she withhold transfer payments if Jason Kenney refuses to adhere to the Canada Health Act?