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New president of Alberta Union of Provincial Employees weighs in on health care

The new president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says health care shouldn’t be treated like a game show.

EDMONTON — The new president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says health care shouldn’t be treated like a game show.

Guy Smith says asking employees for cost-saving ideas doesn’t solve the problem of health costs.

The CEO of Alberta Health Services has offered to personally pay for prizes for any employee who comes up with a way to save money.

Smith says Stephen Duckett’s plan is a good way to generate publicity, but doesn’t address the fundamental issue.

Smith says asking employees to “count paper clips” focuses on spending when the real problem lies with government policies.

Smith, who was elected at a union convention on the weekend, adds that health-care employees are doing their best within a system that is underfunded.