August 25, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is facing criticism after revealing that much of the province’s $70 million stockpile of Turkish-imported medicine had to be donated due to waste concerns.
Speaking on her provincewide radio show, Smith said the incident sparked a broader review of government waste, prompting a new cost-conscious approach to healthcare spending—including charging most Albertans $100 for a COVID-19 vaccine starting this fall.
Health workers, vulnerable populations, and seniors with specific health conditions will still receive the vaccine for free. But critics, including public health experts and the Opposition NDP, say the fee will discourage vaccination and ultimately raise healthcare costs.
Smith called the move a “trial run,” citing short shelf-lives and a lack of federal funding this year.
The decision also comes with a major shift: vaccines will no longer be offered in pharmacies, but instead only at public health clinics.
Smith argued that other provinces haven’t done the same cost-analysis and may be shocked at the eventual expense, referencing $284 million in wasted vaccines over the past three years. Flu shots, however, will remain free.
While some neighboring provinces are offering Albertans free shots, Smith stood by Alberta’s approach, saying it prioritizes responsible spending and transparency about future vaccine waste. Pre-orders for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are open online until September 30.
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