Screengrab From Twitter/The Breakdown

By Canadian Press

Protesters of UCP leader’s private health comments storm stage at news event

May 11, 2023 | 1:47 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta United Conservative Leader Danielle Smith had to be hustled offstage by security after a handful of placard-waving protesters her news conference over comments about selling hospitals.

One protester managed to reach the stage and refused to leave while others were held back by staffers at a south Calgary hotel, where Smith was making a campaign announcement ahead of the May 29 election.

They held up “for sale” signs demanding Smith answer for 2021 comments in which she muses about government selling hospitals to private operators.

The news conference was disrupted for a few minutes, but Smith returned to take questions after the protesters were taken away.

She compared the protesters to the NDP, saying both seek to misrepresent her position on health care and that her government is committed to not making people pay out-of-pocket for medically necessary services.

WHAT'S ON

Here is how Medicine Hat and area is marking Remembrance Day

29m ago

In the community

Veterans facilitate memorial service at senior homes and schools across Medicine Hat

4h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

United Way of Southeastern Alberta shifts to digital fundraising approach

15h ago

Smith says her government is using private surgical suites to reduce waitlists, but says the work is covered under medicare and that her government will not privatize entire hospitals.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2023.

The Canadian Press