This episode features a live recording from the February 19, 2026, Local Education Event, “Privatization in Healthcare and Education,” held at the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) Building in Edmonton. Organized by the Local 196 Education Committee, the panel discussed the growing role of privatization in Alberta’s public systems. Participants wore red in solidarity with public education and wrote sticky notes of encouragement that were later shared with teachers — a visible reminder of the collective commitment to strong, publicly funded services.

Moderated by Local 196 Secretary and Chair of the Communications and A&E Committees, Rachel Steel, the panel explored how funding pressures, corporatization, centralized decision-making, and “parental rights” narratives are reshaping healthcare and education across the province. The discussion examined two possible futures for Alberta: one that strengthens universal, publicly delivered services grounded in equity and democratic accountability, and another that expands private influence within publicly funded systems.

About the Panellists

Rebecca Graff-McRae is Research Manager at the Parkland Institute. She completed her undergraduate and doctoral studies at Queen’s University Belfast (PhD in Irish Politics, 2006) and has held research fellowships at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Alberta. Rebecca has authored several influential reports on Alberta public policy, including Misdiagnosis: Privatization and Disruption in Alberta’s Medical Laboratory Services and Time to Care: Staffing and Workloads in Alberta’s Long-Term Care Facilities. Her work focuses on privatization, labour conditions, and the importance of strong, publicly accountable healthcare systems.

Heather Ganshorn is an executive member of Support Our Students Alberta and a health sciences and academic librarian. She holds a BA in Journalism and Communications from the University of Regina and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alberta. Drawing on her professional background and lived experience as a parent, Heather advocates for inclusive, equitable public education and examines how “parental rights” narratives intersect with privatization and democratic governance in Alberta.

Tune in for a research-informed, community-rooted conversation about the future of public healthcare and public education in Alberta — and what it will take to protect and strengthen them.

Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.

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