Shawn Graham: Destroying democracy to save 1%.

Today, the Saint John Board of Trade released it’s reaction to the Liberal government’s decision to make “transformational changes” to the health care system in New Brunswick.

“We are pleased that the consolidation of selected non-clinical services under a new public sector company. That will most certainly build efficiencies into the health system and reduce infrastructure costs” said Nathalie Godbout, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We do, however, have some concerns surrounding the announced changes to the way health care will be administered in New Brunswick.”

I will to say that I do agree with Nathalie. I am very supportive of eliminating duplication of services. There is no need to have eight people doing a job that only requires a few people. I just wish that was the main change made.

Unfortunately, the government has also decided that we, the people, are not capable of electing people ourselves, they have decided to appoint the members of the health boards for us.

Yes, you heard me right, this government is changing our current democratically elected health board into a government appointed organization. I do not believe that they should be appointing people to such important positions without letting us vote.

The Saint John Board of Trade also raised some other good points:

• What will be the impact to our medical school?
• How will the implementation of the new trauma system be impacted?
• Where will the money raised by organizations in support of the Regional Hospital and St. Joseph’s go? Will it be divided among other hospitals?

And most importantly - do the savings the government is proposing ($20 million in 5 years on a $2.2 billion budget=1%) warrant such a drastic move?

Think about that, such drastic changes and it will only change 1% of the entire budget. It really is a sad day for democracy in New Brunswick.

“Demand the ballot as the undeniable right of every man who is called to the poll, and take special care that the old constitutional rule and principle, by which majorities alone shall decide in Parliamentary elections, shall not be violated.” - John Bright