Protect public health care

Implementation of Bill 11: the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2) is set to move forward.

This legislation significantly changes how some health services are delivered and funded in the province. Bill 11 creates a dual practice model of care by allowing physicians to practice in both public and private systems and permits patients to be charged for medically necessary care.

A report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, in collaboration with the Parkland Institute warns that, with Bill 11, “Alberta became the first province to legislate two-tier health care and private health insurance for medically necessary services.”

Access to medically necessary care must be based on need and not ability to pay.

Bill 11 also designates the provincial public drug and supplemental benefits plan as the “payor of last resort.” Rather than reducing costs, this approach shifts them to private plans, which can create additional financial pressure for plan members at a time when affordability is already a concern.

We know drug costs are rising; shifting first payor coverage for essential medications from public to private plans does not solve the underlying problem.

The Alberta government must protect public health care, thoroughly review the ramifications of Bill 11 and pause implementation.

Take action today: Tell the Alberta government to protect public health care.