[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Mean Mr. Mustard

It could also be a function of an aging population that is living longer in combination with playing catch-up from cuts in the mid 90s. Legitimately I work in the healthcare field and I really do think that to just look at the dollars isn't an effective way to examine the issue. We have more treatments for previously fatal diseases allowing people to live longer (the years that cost more money as well). Consequently we have a population which has more costly chronic illnesses which cost money. We also have major problems with inequality and the working poor in the province which contributes to high healthcare costs.

To just look at two numbers doesn't give any frame of reference to the extent of the issue. Personally I think that we should still be paying healthcare premiums but I know that people don't like paying what amounts to a tax.

Edit: That isn't to say that I think our healthcare system is perfect, it is deeply flawed, we have some issues that need to be addressed. People on the frontlines have absolutely no frame of reference for what people in management do and I think that the same goes for people in management don't have a frame of reference for the challenges of the frontline staff and what is required for optimal patient care. At the current time I don't think our healthcare system as it is currently set up is sustainable.

Seniors Workers
The number of people aged 65 and older is rising in Alberta as is their share of total population. Still, Alberta’s share is far lower than the national average (11% vs. 15% in 2012). Only the territories have a lower proportion of seniors. This is primarily a reflection of the draw of Alberta’s economy on job seekers aged 25 to 54 years. Most labour force characteristics are unavailable for those 65 and older. However, the labour force participation of those 55 years and older in Alberta increased from 43% in 2007 to 47% in 2012.

http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/lmi/p.../mar2013.shtml