Premier and Honourable Minister,

Residents of our community were met with shocking news on November 16, 2015, when it was announced that Dr. Julian Kyne, Medical Director for Airdrie's Urgent Care Centre would NOT have his contract renewed after November 30th, 2015.

Dr. Ted Braun, Associate Medical Director of Community, Rural and Mental Health in the Calgary Zone of AHS released a statement affirming this decision and citing "this is an issue between an employer and a contractor", and as such, AHS would not speak to the circumstances of Dr. Kyne's departure.

In order to understand why his ouster is not accepted in the community that he has worked in, worked for and lived in for over 25 years, you'd have to know the man and why he has inspired such loyalty and confidence.

For over 25 years, Dr. Kyne immersed himself into the Airdrie community as a resident and a physician. His service extended beyond the Airdrie City limits to residents in surrounding communities.

His contribution doesn't stop there.

In addition to his long standing family practice, Dr. Kyne was instrumental in helping to establish the Airdrie Health Foundation along with the mayor and Michelle Bates. Mrs. Bates spearheaded the foundation after the tragic loss of her son back in October of 2009 when Calgary hospitals were full at the height of the H1N1 virus, and there was no urgent care center in Airdrie. 

Far too many times during the winter, residents in the community agonize whether to risk driving on the highway in storms or dangerous road conditions if they're unsure whether a health concern warrants a hospital visit. This was the case again in the Bates' family just over one year after Lane's passing. 

Understanding the terrible predicament Mrs. Bates and countless other residents faced in needing accessible care safely and after hours, the foundation has been nothing short of extraordinary in how far it has progressed in having 24/7 urgent care finally be made available in Airdrie. Over the last several years, as ambulance service has been cut back in many communities, Dr. Kyne has been a strong advocate in bringing issues such as this to the forefront. The lack of sufficient ambulatory service and staff, in addition to the lack of 24 hour care, continues to leave rural residents in Airdrie and surrounding areas in potentially dangerous situations.

Please understand - this isn't a matter of convenience for rural residents - it can, quite literally- be a matter of life and death. Dr. Kyne and the AHF were able to secure a donation of land to appropriate for a new health park that would see a dramatic increase in available urgent care space, equipment and staff. Years ago, AHS was approached with the idea to work as a partner with this community, rather than simply handing over money. At the time, officials were quick to see both the desperate need of residents and the benefit of entering into such a partnership.

While Dr. Braun's stance that this is an "employer/contractor" situation, AHS falls under the umbrella of the provincial government - employed by the people of Alberta whom it serves. The campaign of accountability and transparency were key platform items of this current government and after years of secrecy, arrogance and a complete lack of accountability, the people voted for change -

we now hold you to your word.

The AHS has been under fire for many, many years now for its excesses, inefficiency and inadequate administrative decision-making - something this government acknowledged during the election and acknowledging reform is necessary. The decision around Dr. Kyne's contract is yet another example why people in Alberta have no confidence in this ineffective superboard. The health care needs in rural areas is unique and cannot be viewed or treated the same way as urban centres. We have an excellent director that is trusted, respected and wholly appreciated as having a keen understanding of our very unique needs - and someone who is getting the things done that desperately and urgently need to get done. While Minister Hoffman may believe the urgency to be conflated (as noted in a remark made to MLA Angela Pitt during question period recently that "Airdrie is only 10 minutes away from Calgary), we hope the flippancy of this statement does not reflect a government's view on a large segment of its electorate.

Ironically, on November 18th, 2015 Dr. Kyne was presented the Annual Physician Advocacy Award by the Calgary and area Medical Staff Society (CAMSS). Lauded for his work, one of his colleagues noted that Dr. Kyne "embodies the meaning of advocacy." Upon learning the decision to terminate Dr. Kyne's contract, the physicians group met with AHS officials to demand his reinstatement and "reverse this injustice". It appears their valued opinion has fallen on deaf ears.

The decision by AHS officials to summarily throw aside and afford so little respect to a man with an exemplary career is deplorable. To deny the very people this board was hired to serve either an explanation or time to review and reassess the decision is the height of arrogance. The loss of confidence and respect for this board reflects directly on the government of the day. The people of Alberta should be heard - need to be heard - by those we elected.

Therefore, we forward this petition to this government and ask that it intercedes and keeps Dr. Kyne in his current position as Medical Director - Airdrie Urgent Care. Alternatively, Dr. Kyne should remain in this position until a review is done surrounding the decision made by Dr. Braun to terminate his contract - and have it made public. The need of rural communities to access urgent health care should not be politicized in any way, shape or form. We look to a government that carried this very message to ensure people like Dr. Kyne will not only be valued and appreciated by their employers, but will not be punished for being effective, committed and excellent in their work.