October 13, 2012

Health Services Preferential Access Inquiry
104-1240 Kensington Rd. N.W.
P.O. Box 410, Calgary, AB T2N 3P7

Attention: The Honourable John Z. Vertes,
Commissioner of the Health Services Preferential Access Inquiry

RE: Public Hearing on Standing and Funding

Dear Sir:

Please accept this letter and attachments as application by the Consumers’ Association of Canada (Alberta) (the “Association”) for Standing and Funding at the Health Services Preferential Access Inquiry.

As you will see, the Association believes it can provide valuable assistance to the public inquiry as it delves into the issue of improper preferential access to publicly funded health services in the Province of Alberta. The Association brings a perspective unique compared to that of individual health providers, professional organizations and occupational groups, businesses and corporations, and disease-specific lobby group. It will bring the broad public interest and consumer perspective and furthermore, the experience of being an advocacy organization external to the formal health system, that will directly relate to the Terms of Reference for this inquiry process pursuant to section 17 of the Health Quality Council of Alberta Act. We have historically dealt with many issues related to appropriate and inappropriate preferential access to medically necessary health care services.

The Association will provide any additional information as requested.

We thank you for consideration of our applications and look forward to your decisions.

Yours truly,

Deborah E. Prowse

Deborah E. Prowse, Q.C.

cc. Wendy Armstrong, Consumers’ Association of Canada (Alberta)