Shortage of medical staff here too. Big time. Nurses just accepted a 15% increase in their last contract. I agree, cause they do all the grunge work, and put up with patient abuse, and since they are short-staffed they are run off their feet.

Also, being the highest-paid nurses in Canada, they are hoping local grads will stay and work here.

One argument here for the paid-private system is that it would shorten waiting lines and times in the public system

However, I fear the public system and facilities would REALLY go downhill....

Alberta Health (gov't dept) is affiliated with Blue Cross. I can pay additional premiums to BC through AB Health. I have prescription coverage right now, which is a lifesaver. I pay 30% of scrip costs, to a maximum of $25. I did the math on the premiums and I am further ahead.

juggle juggle juggle