A27 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY January 1 - 15 , 2017

The government of the province of Alberta will create a public dental fee guide to give Albertans the information they need to protect their money when making decisions about their dental health . A dental fee review has confirmed that prices in Alberta are higher and growing faster than anywhere else in Canada . The review included an analysis of low , average and high fees for the most common dental procedures performed in Alberta today . This list will let Albertans compare prices and shop around for services that fit their needs .

“ We are empowering families with the information they need when accessing dental services and this is

When Jane Fonda flew over the oilsands with local First Nations and activists from Greenpeace Tuesday morning , she told a CBC reporter it was like “ someone took my skin and peeled it off my body over a very large surface .”

“ I hurt . It made my body ache to watch it ,” she said from the parking lot of a Moxie ’ s in downtown Fort McMurray .

Robbie Picard , founder of the local booster group Oil Sands Strong , was having lunch at that same Moxie ’ s when he saw her and followed her to the interview . When he heard that answer , he said he had to interrupt with his own arguments .

“ Are you aware that Jim Boucher from the Fort McKay First Nation just ( invested ) $ 250 million into the oilsands ? Are you aware there ’ s 289 aboriginal businesses ?” he said , recording the experience on his smartphone .

When her hosts led her away from the interview , Picard argued with the activists themselves . Picard ’ s friend , Susan Plamondon , demanded Fonda speak to people struggling to find work and aboriginal people that lost their homes in the fire .

“ Well I sure hope that your report on Fort McMurray is a pleasant one and not just bashing us ,” Plamondon said . “ We are hurting here .”

Fonda responded she is not trying to bash anyone ’ s livelihood .

“ We will no longer just

just the first step we are taking ,” said Sarah Hoffman , Deputy Premier and Minister of Health . She added that they are partnering with the Alberta Dental Association and College to further protect consumers by introducing a public fee guide similar to those found in every other province .

“ Work is also underway to close gaps in government programs for vulnerable Albertans and to help families understand their rights as dental consumers ,” she added

“ Hearing this news today is a step in the right direction to improving access to dental care for Albertans . I was fortunate to be able

tolerate celebrities coming here for a day to take a ride over the oilsands and attack us ,” Picard said later in an interview .

“ As she was talking , I thought clearly she is not being informed about the good things industry is doing like reclamation . Unfortunately , they ran off .” to access the School of Dentistry ’ s services over the last four years to ensure my dental needs were met at a reasonable cost ,” said Ambrose Blum , School of Dentistry patient .

In addition to the fee report and a new public fee guide , the Minister of Health has asked the Alberta Dental College and Association to submit a plan outlining strategies to continue growing public confidence in the profession and identify solutions that address concerns and confusion about dentists ’ advertising guidelines .

Dr . Allan Graas , President , Alberta Dental Association and College

confirmed she was visiting the community , but they were not commenting on the visit .

Fonda is the latest celebrity to tour the oilsands , following highly-publicized

said that the Alberta Dental Association and College accepts the dental fee review established by the Minister of Health . “ We look forward to continuing to work with the government to make this a document that will best serve Albertans and Dentists alike .”

“ The School of Dentistry ’ s mandate is to educate students to become socially responsible , compassionate healthcare practitioners , and in doing so , we provide access to care to the citizens of Alberta . In partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Dental Association & College , we are pleased to be part of improving how Albertans

Vancouver .

“ Jane Fonda has been a part of supporting moving towards alternative energy in the U . S . and a supporter of indigenous rights like at Standing Rock ,” said ACFN spokesperson Eriel Deranger .

Deranger said she does not support an immediate shutdown of the oil industry down , pointing out her own First Nation owns companies active in the oilsands , but advocating discussing how to move towards renewable energy without damaging the access dental services ,” said Dr . Paul Major , Chair , School of Dentistry , Senior Associate Dean , Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry .

Frank Swedlove , Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc . President and CEO , added that employers and the 1.8 million Albertans on dental plans that work for them are clearly concerned about the high cost of dental treatments in the province .

“ We are pleased that the Government of Alberta has listened to these concerns and is responding with information to allow consumers to make an informed choice . We look forward to further collaboration on this important issue .”

economy .

She also rejected the notion that it was insensitive to bring Fonda to Fort McMurray after last spring ’ s wildfire , arguing that at least 66 ACFN members in Fort McMurray lost their homes .

“ We recognize the economic opportunities the oilsands has brought us , but it ’ s time for us to start talking about making a transition ,” said Deranger .

“ We ’ re not afraid to have those conversations .” ( VMcDermott @ postmedia . com )