Outcomes of the SALT meeting #4

1. Independent Seniors’ Advocate. SALT has taken the initiative to form a circle of Chairs of supportive seniors’ organizations to advance the concept of a provincial Independent Seniors’ Advocate (ISA). This person would be an officer of the provincial legislative assembly, and charged with providing assistance to seniors in distress, whatever the nature of that distress, wherever that senior may live in Alberta. The current draft of the paper is to be found in the SALT Publications section of this web site. The ISA paper was presented last January to the province,and they have agreed to give the concept further consideration. It is currently on hold while the leadership race is on to replace the retiring Premier.
   
   
   
2. Democratic Reform. SALT members heard a presentation on October 24 from Larry Booi, Chair of Public Interest Alberta’s Task Force on Democratic Reform. Content focused on steps needed to enhance democratic governance in Alberta. All interested members are encouraged to submit any ideas they have in this regard to the Task Force.
   
   
   
3. Walrus Magazine. John Murray will be bring a copy of a Walrus article to our next meeting for information. The article is about the influence of fundamentalist Christian beliefs on policy decisions made by Prime Minister Harper.
   
   
   
4. Seniors United Now (SUN). Individual members of SALT were encouraged,if they can, to donate a gift of 100 dollars to help SUN. SUN is a large member seniors’ advocacy group in Alberta which has also forgone charitable status so it can better advocate for seniors. Not having charitable tax status, on the other hand, presents a financial challenge to SUN to lead and administer such a large advocacy group. It has appealed to its members for assistance in this regard. SALT, as an organization, is also making a $100 donation to SUN.
   
   
   
5. Dental, Optical Assistance. Con Deumler is pursuing an issue with the province over having to provide confidential financial data to the province in order to qualify for a programme of financial assistance for dental and optical care. He will report progress at the next meeting.
   
   
   
6. Wind Power Moratorium. Brian Staples will report next meeting on a decision by the Alberta Electrical System Operator to limit the number of wind turbines in southern Alberta. We wish to know why this decision was made in the light of the need for extensive development of renewable power. Our fear is that the moratorium has to do with the million dollar per mile cost of building transmission lines to carry the power to the north.
   
   
   
7. Pharmacist Prescription Authority. Doris Ann Barnes and Aileen Taylor will develop a letter of concern over the provision for pharmacists to prescribe drugs. Our sense is that medical doctors, who know the background of each patient’s problems, need to do this role.
   
   Submitted by Brian Staples