November 25, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Alberta government introduced new legislation Monday that would allow certain doctors to work in both the public and private systems — a move officials say is aimed at boosting surgical capacity and reducing wait times.
Primary Care Minister Adrianna LaGrange presented Bill 11: the Health Statutes Amendment Act, which also includes a range of additional reforms: updates to drug coverage providers, food safety standards, new procedures for issuing health cards, extension of employer health benefits to working Albertans aged 65 and over, and tougher measures to discourage improper billing and claims.
LaGrange emphasized that family physicians will not be eligible for dual practice at this time, noting that the province’s immediate focus is ensuring every Albertan has access to a primary care provider. She also stressed that emergency services, essential procedures and surgeries — including cancer care and urgent operations — will remain fully covered and publicly accessible, with no private alternatives.
Hospitals Minister Matt Jones said the dual-practice structure is not unprecedented, pointing to countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia, where similar models are already in place.
Both LaGrange and Jones insisted the legislation complies with the Canada Health Act, which they argue does not prohibit private medical activity — something that is already occurring in provinces including Alberta, New Brunswick, and Quebec.
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