Panel Discussion: Privatization in Healthcare and Education

Join us for an engaging and timely panel discussion exploring the growing role of privatization in Alberta’s healthcare and education systems. As pressures on public services increase, questions around access, equity, accountability, and long-term impacts are more important than ever.

This event will feature two expert panellists who will share research-based insights and practical perspectives on how privatization is shaping policy and practice in Alberta. Through guided questions and discussion, the panel will examine current trends, implications for workers and the public, and what the future may hold for publicly funded services.

There will be opportunities for audience questions and discussion.

Panelists

Heather Ganshorn
University of Calgary and Support Our Students Alberta

Heather Ganshorn 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. Heather has several years of experience as a health sciences and academic librarian, supporting research across a variety of settings. With two school-age children, Heather became increasingly concerned about issues such as privatization, standardized testing, and their impacts on public systems. She is an executive member of Support Our Students Alberta, where she advocates for a strong, well-funded public education system with adequate supports to ensure equitable outcomes for all children.

Rebecca Graff-McRae
Parkland Institute

Rebecca Graff-McRae is a researcher with the Parkland Institute, a non-partisan research organization based at the University of Alberta. At the Parkland Institute, Rebecca has authored several influential research reports on public policy in Alberta, 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 public policy issues in Alberta, including healthcare, education, labour, and the role of privatization in public services. Rebecca’s research emphasizes the social and economic consequences of shifting public services to private delivery and the importance of strong, accountable public systems.

Register for the event through DMS

Registration Deadline is Feb 12th at 2359h

Not a UNA member? Go to the UNA website for instructions on how to become a member.

This event is open to members & duespayers of Local 196 only.

TICKETS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE.

Registration must be completed using a non-AHS email.

Questions/Dietary requests? Please email Local196Education@una.ca

  • If you have registered and can no longer attend, please cancel your registration in DMS or email Local196Education@una.ca before the registration deadline.