The fight for public services is far from over

Calgary and Edmonton add their voices to the growing chorus

EDMONTON , Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Residents of the Calgary and Edmonton areas are coming together to continue to fight for public services that they believe are vital to their communities.

Join Together Alberta has arranged town-hall meetings in both cities to add voices to the growing chorus of those speaking out against cuts. A total of 20 meetings have been held so far in communities all across the province, and the message from thousands of ordinary citizens everywhere has been the same - Save Our Services!

Those voices have made a difference. But pressure is mounting from many who are saying that Alberta should return to the slash-and-burn policies of the 1990s - policies that would lengthen health-care waiting times, increase classroom sizes and undermine services for our most vulnerable citizens.

So, the battle to protect health care, education and other vital public services - the battle to protect the fabric of our communities - is still on.

    
    Emergency town-hall meetings:

    Calgary:    Tuesday, February 16th
                7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
                University of Calgary, Red & White Club,
                1833 Crowchild Trail NW

    Edmonton:   Wednesday, February 17th
                7:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
                Polish Hall, Main Floor, 10960 - 104 Street.
    

Join Together Alberta is a new coalition that includes representatives from community social service organizations, teachers, parent groups, health professionals, students, faculty and labour organizations.

For further information: Media contacts: Gil McGowan, AFL President, [phone]; Bill Moore-Kilgannon, Executive Director, Public Interest Alberta, [phone]