EDMONTON - After repeatedly using time allocation motions to limit debate on Bill 11: The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 202 (No. 2), the government passed it through third reading in the legislature this afternoon. This legislation creates the legal framework for American-style, two-tier health care and the establishment of private health insurance, while allowing private payment for medically necessary care.

EDMONTON — This afternoon, the government tabled Bill 11, Health Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (No.2). If passed, this legislation would establish an unprecedented model of two-tiered health care access in Alberta by allowing physicians to work in both the public and private systems concurrently, including charging patients out of pocket. This “dual practice model” would be the only one of its kind in the entire country.

EDMONTON — Confidential draft legislation obtained by the Globe and Mail outlines plans by the Alberta Government to bring two-tier health care to Alberta. The amendments would establish an unprecedented model whereby physicians could privately charge patients for insured care services, while simultaneously billing the public health care system.

EDMONTON — Earlier today, the Premier released new mandate letters for the four ministers now responsible for pieces of our public health care system.

EDMONTON — Last week, a provincial audit of Alberta clinics charging membership fees was released, finding that paying members are receiving better access to more thorough care than non-paying patients. While the report found no “significant cases” of patients paying for insured services, it was concerningly unable to rule out the possibility that extra-billing is occurring.

EDMONTON — A new report commissioned by Friends of Medicare from the Parkland Institute and authored by Rebecca Graff-McRae titled, Access Denied: How the Changing Accessibility of Health Care Services in Alberta Impacts Equity, highlights how reduced capacity and decreased access have resulted in unmet health care needs for Albertans. The report examines these challenges across acute care, primary care, continuing care, as well as mental health and addictions.

EDMONTON — SMG Medical Complex is a proposal to build a massive, 14-storey, private, for-profit health care facility in Fort McMurray. This contentious project has doubled in size from its initial proposal, and now promises to provide numerous services including chartered surgeries, ambulatory care, and “luxurious accommodations." They have launched a website seeking investors where they promise eight to 10 percent returns on investments, plus further opportunities for profits from “those willing to pay out of pocket.”

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 — This past Friday, the provincial government announced that they were shutting down the long-COVID outpatient programs, meaning that the clinics in Alberta dedicated to treating people suffering from long-COVID will be closing. The letter from Alberta Health Services informing patients of the closure suggests that they should contact their primary care provider to determine if they require additional resources. This at a time when over 650,000 Albertans are without a family doctor.

EDMONTON — Earlier this year, the government informed the Airdrie Health Foundation that the long-overdue expansion and renovation of the Airdrie Community Health Centre had been paused in order for them to consider a proposal to add a private partner to the public facility. Following much outcry from Albertans, the government announced the public project was back under way.