Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft promised people in central and northern Alberta improved access to cancer treatment Tuesday by committing to a $650 million expansion to Edmonton's Cross Cancer Institute.
"Two years ago the Tory government … promised there would be a cancer hospital built in Edmonton," Taft told a group of supporters gathered in front of the cancer centre, the main treatment facility for people in the northern half of the province.
Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft promised Tuesday to spend $650 million to expand Edmonton's Cross Cancer Institute.
(CBC)
"The plans were drawn up by the architect, the site was clear … and then the Tories broke their promise. I am here today to announce the Alberta Liberals will keep that promise.
According to the Alberta Cancer Board, 13,500 cases of cancer are diagnosed annually, and that number is expected to rise to 25,000 by 2025.
"This facility has been operating at over capacity for too long. Anybody needing cancer treatment or with loved ones or friends needing cancer treatment realize this," Taft said.
Taft made a similar promise for southern Alberta last Wednesday with a pledge to begin construction on a cancer centre to replace Calgary's aging Tom Baker Cancer Centre, at a cost of up to $1.2 billion.
The Liberal leader said the province has the money to pay for improved health care services and facilities in its Sustainability Fund, which he said has grown into a "$7.7 billion slush fund."
The promises come in the final week of the Alberta election campaign. Voters go to the polls on March 3.
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Alberta Votes 2008 »
- It's 'Ed's Empire' after Alberta election sweep
- Political observers in Alberta are calling it remarkable and opposition politicians are wondering what hit them after Ed Stelmach guided his Conservative party Monday to one of its biggest majorities ever.
- Low voter turnout in Alberta election being questioned
- As Premier Ed Stelmach and Alberta Conservatives savour their sweeping election victory, some people are raising a nagging concern: why so few people bothered to vote.
- Albertans elect historic 11th straight Tory government
- Voters in Alberta stuck with tried-and-true blue, giving the Progressive Conservative party an unprecedented 11th consecutive majority government in Monday's provincial election.
- Political tide turns in Edmonton
- Alberta Progressive Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach has proven true to his word, putting the "Ed" back in Edmonton.
- Conservatives' Calgary fortress resists change
- The Progressive Conservatives' fortress in Calgary stood strong as the party took 18 of the city's 23 ridings Monday night.
Riding Profiles
More Alberta Votes Headlines »
- It's 'Ed's Empire' after Alberta election sweep
- Political observers in Alberta are calling it remarkable and opposition politicians are wondering what hit them after Ed Stelmach guided his Conservative party Monday to one of its biggest majorities ever.
- Low voter turnout in Alberta election being questioned
- As Premier Ed Stelmach and Alberta Conservatives savour their sweeping election victory, some people are raising a nagging concern: why so few people bothered to vote.
- Albertans elect historic 11th straight Tory government
- Voters in Alberta stuck with tried-and-true blue, giving the Progressive Conservative party an unprecedented 11th consecutive majority government in Monday's provincial election.
- Political tide turns in Edmonton
- Alberta Progressive Conservative Leader Ed Stelmach has proven true to his word, putting the "Ed" back in Edmonton.
- Conservatives' Calgary fortress resists change
- The Progressive Conservatives' fortress in Calgary stood strong as the party took 18 of the city's 23 ridings Monday night.
