EDMONTON — Yesterday, the Senate passed Bill C-64: An Act Respecting Pharmacare, without amendments. This is a major step forward for drug coverage in Canada, laying the groundwork for what would be the most significant expansion to our public health care system since the creation of national Medicare over sixty years ago. The legislation sets up a framework for universal, single-payer, first-dollar drug coverage for all Canadians, beginning with coverage of contraceptives and diabetes medication and equipment. 

LETHBRIDGE — Two family doctors at the Campbell Clinic in Lethbridge recently posted public letters explaining why they are leaving their practices, pointing the finger squarely at the government and Health Minister for their failure to listen to Alberta’s physicians and act to sustain primary care.

EDMONTON — Beginning today on the International Day of the Older Persons and continuing all week, Public Interest Alberta and Friends of Medicare are releasing harrowing stories and videos from seniors and Albertans who are experiencing the current crisis in seniors care. They are standing with seniors to send letters to the provincial government calling for minimum staffing hours so that Albertans receive the care they deserve.

EDMONTON — Every year, September 26th marks World Contraception Day, raising awareness about the importance of contraception and reproductive health care. As we recognize the day this year, Bill 6-64:An Act Representing Pharmacare, is being studied by a Senate committee, and still waiting to be passed into law. Bill C-64 would ensure universal coverage of diabetes and contraceptive medications.

EDMONTON — Following their gathering last week, the Alberta Medical Association has been increasingly vocal in their disappointment with the provincial government for failing to implement a new Primary Care Compensation Model, as promised. This lack of action comes after months and months of delays.

EDMONTON — Before announcing her plan for education infrastructure, Premier Smith’s 10-minute televised address opened last night with an extended anti-immigration rant, blaming folks moving here from other countries for Alberta’s lack of capacity in health, housing and education. 

EDMONTON — Yesterday, the Office of the Minister of Health confirmed to DiscoverAirdrie that the controversial proposal to build a facility to house a primary care clinic as well as a second urgent care centre in Airdrie has been approved. Airdrie remains by far the largest city in Alberta without a hospital.

EDMONTON — Each year, August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). It is an opportunity to mourn those we have lost, and to refocus our collective work to end overdose and tackle the toxic drug poisoning crisis in our communities. Last year, Alberta saw our highest ever number of drug poisoning deaths, with the most recent government data now tallying a devastating 2,069 deaths in 2023.

EDMONTON — At a recent UCP townhall in Drayton Valley, Danielle Smith shared her plans to remove Alberta Health Services (AHS) as the operator of some provincial hospitals, suggesting other options to manage the facilities, such as turning facilities over to Covenant Health (Alberta’s Catholic health operator). This follows news that the government is also reviewing a proposal to privatize urgent care services in Airdrie.