“The Spotlight” by Local 196

Fast Lanes and Long Waits: Bill 11 and Two-Tier Health Care in Alberta

This episode focuses on Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, and the growing debate around two-tier health care in Alberta. Critics warn that the legislation could open the door to expanded private payment for medical services, potentially allowing those who can afford it to access faster care while others face longer waits in the public system. To help unpack what this could mean for patients, nurses, and communities, we’re joined by Chris Gallaway, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare, a national advocacy organization working to protect and strengthen Canada’s public health care system. We’ll talk about what Bill 11 changes, why advocates across the country are raising concerns, and why Albertans are mobilizing for a Day of Action on March 16 in Edmonton to defend public health care. Guest: Chris Gallaway  Chris Gallaway Chris Gallaway is the Executive Director of Friends of Medicare, a national advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening Canada’s public health care system. Based in Edmonton, Gallaway has become a leading voice in Alberta on health care privatization, access to care, and the preservation of universal, publicly funded health services. Guest Host: Anahi Johnson Anahi Johnson Anahi Johnson is a Registered Nurse and a dedicated union leader with the United Nurses of Alberta (UNA). As president of Local 32 (Glenrose Hospital), Anahi advocates for safe working conditions, strong public health care, and fair treatment for frontline health workers. Johnson has been actively involved in union work for many years, supporting colleagues through workplace advocacy, education, and collective action.   Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.    If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca [local196exec@una.ca] and/or leave a comment.   We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/ [https://local196una.ca/]

Privatization of Healthcare and Education

This episode features a live recording from the February 19, 2026, Local Education Event, “Privatization in Healthcare and Education,” held at the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) Building in Edmonton. Organized by the Local 196 Education Committee, the panel discussed the growing role of privatization in Alberta’s public systems. Participants wore red in solidarity with public education and wrote sticky notes of encouragement that were later shared with teachers — a visible reminder of the collective commitment to strong, publicly funded services. Moderated by Local 196 Secretary and Chair of the Communications and A&E Committees, Rachel Steel, the panel explored how funding pressures, corporatization, centralized decision-making, and “parental rights” narratives are reshaping healthcare and education across the province. The discussion examined two possible futures for Alberta: one that strengthens universal, publicly delivered services grounded in equity and democratic accountability, and another that expands private influence within publicly funded systems. About the Panellists Rebecca Graff-McRae is Research Manager at the Parkland Institute. She completed her undergraduate and doctoral studies at Queen’s University Belfast (PhD in Irish Politics, 2006) and has held research fellowships at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Alberta. Rebecca has authored several influential reports on Alberta public policy, including Misdiagnosis: Privatization and Disruption in Alberta’s Medical Laboratory Services and Time to Care: Staffing and Workloads in Alberta’s Long-Term Care Facilities. Her work focuses on privatization, labour conditions, and the importance of strong, publicly accountable healthcare systems. Heather Ganshorn is an executive member of Support Our Students Alberta and a health sciences and academic librarian. She holds a BA in Journalism and Communications from the University of Regina and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta. Drawing on her professional background and lived experience as a parent, Heather advocates for inclusive, equitable public education and examines how “parental rights” narratives intersect with privatization and democratic governance in Alberta. Tune in for a research-informed, community-rooted conversation about the future of public healthcare and public education in Alberta — and what it will take to protect and strengthen them. Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.    If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca [local196exec@una.ca] and/or leave a comment.   We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/ [https://local196una.ca/]

Politics, Compassion, and the Cost of Alberta’s Drug Crisis

In this episode, Gerri Logan—member of United Nurses of Alberta Local 196’s Advocacy & Engagement Committee—sits down with Janet Eremenko, Alberta’s NDP Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Addiction, to unpack the politics and human impact behind Alberta’s growing opioid crisis. From the ongoing debate around decriminalization to the intersection between housing, stigma, and public health, Gerri and Janet explore why overdose deaths continue to rise. At the same time, political will to act remains stagnant. They discuss the toxic drug supply and the real-life consequences of government cuts to prevention and early intervention programs. With a harm reduction lens, this conversation challenges listeners to ask: What’s the political cost of compassion? And why isn’t the opioid crisis covered—or treated—like any other public health emergency? Janet Eremenko is a Canadian politician and member of the Alberta New Democratic Party. She serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Currie. A lifelong Calgarian, Janet holds a degree in International Development and has more than a decade of experience in social policy and community development. Before her election, she worked in fund development with a national charity that supports newcomers, helping them bridge foreign credentials and rebuild their careers in Canada. Her priorities include advocating for affordable living for families, strong and reliable healthcare, equity in health, justice, and education systems, and meaningful support for vulnerable populations. Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.    If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca [local196exec@una.ca] and/or leave a comment.   We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/ [https://local196una.ca/]

“Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces” with guest Dr. Bob Barnetson

In this episode, Geri Ruston sits down with Dr. Bob Barnetson to examine the state of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) in Canadian workplaces, with a focus on Alberta and the realities faced by nurses. The conversation covers: * The true number of workplace injuries each year—likely double the official statistics—and why underreporting is so common. * The role of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and why some employers may discourage workers from filing claims. * The impact of Bill 47 and how it has reshaped workers’ rights to refuse unsafe work. * The gender bias in how “dangerous work” is perceived, and why hazards faced by nurses and care workers are often minimized. * Why increased reporting in unionized workplaces makes it appear that more injuries occur there, when in fact it reflects a culture of transparency and protection. Dr. Barnetson provides critical insights into how legislation, policy, and workplace culture intersect—and why empowering workers to report hazards is essential to building safer workplaces. Dr. Bob Barnetson is a Professor of Labour Relations at Athabasca University, whose academic and professional work centers on the political economy of workplace regulation in Alberta. His experience includes prior roles with the Alberta Labour Relations Board, Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board, and Alberta Employment and Immigration, giving him both policy and institutional insight into OH&S and workers’ rights. Notable Publications & Contributions:  To the Breaking Point: The UCP Government's Cheapening of Labour [https://albertaviews.ca/to-the-breaking-point/] (2023) Why is Alberta Making Workplaces Less Safe? Alberta Undermines Internal Responsibility System with New Rules [https://lawofwork.ca/albertaohschanges/] (2021) Estimating Under-Claiming of Compensable Workplace Injuries in Alberta, Canada (2018) Health and Safety in Canadian Workplaces [https://www.aupress.ca/books/120259-health-and-safety-in-canadian-workplaces/] (2016; co-authored with Jason Foster) A Dirty Business: The Exclusion of Alberta Farm Workers From Injury Compensation [https://www.parklandinstitute.ca/a_dirty_business] (2015) Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.    If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca [local196exec@una.ca] and/or leave a comment.   We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/ [https://local196una.ca/]

Nurses' Week Special Episode - The Fiery Mary "Mother" Jones

Rachel, Gerri, and Geri take listeners on an unforgettable journey through the life and legacy of Mary “Mother” Jones — the labour organizer once dubbed “the most dangerous woman in America.” From famine-stricken Ireland to the sweatshops and coalfields of the United States, the podcast traces how grief and injustice forged her into a tireless champion for worker safety and dignity. But this isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a call to action. The episode draws parallels between the brutal conditions Jones fought against and the occupational hazards faced by Alberta nurses today, from violence and burnout to unsafe staffing ratios and systemic neglect. The legacy of Mary Jones reminds us that the struggle for safe and just workplaces is far from over — and that every nurse who dares to speak out is walking in the footsteps of giants. This episode was inspired by the OH&S article in the Spring 2025 UNA Bulletin, which highlighted Mary "Mother" Jones—many thanks to UNA OH&S Advisor Dewey Funk for bringing this figure to our attention.  Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.    If you have enjoyed the content of this podcast or have any suggestions for improvement, please reach out to the local 196 executive at local196exec@una.ca [local196exec@una.ca] and/or leave a comment.   We can also be reached at https://local196una.ca/ [https://local196una.ca/]