Canadian and provincial health-care organizations are urging the federal government to intervene in Alberta’s decision to permit doctors to work in both public and private healthcare systems. The shift is made possible by the implementation of the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), known as Bill 11, which goes into effect this week. Jason MacLean, the chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, described Bill 11 as a significant threat to healthcare, comparable to the passage of the Canada Health Act in 1984.
The coalition is organizing demonstrations in 30 locations nationwide on its designated Day of Action, followed by 50 town hall meetings later this year as part of its campaign against the legislation. MacLean expressed concerns that allowing physicians to practice in both systems could lead to unequal access to healthcare, with resources potentially favoring the private sector and causing extended wait times in the public system.
MacLean urged federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to take immediate action to prevent other provinces from following Alberta’s lead, emphasizing the national significance of the issue. Bill 11 was passed in Alberta’s legislature during the autumn 2025 session, enabling doctors to apply for dual practice in both public and private healthcare settings. Eligible physicians must fulfill specific public system work requirements to be considered for dual practice, with family physicians currently excluded from this option.
The province anticipates that surgeries under the dual-practice model will commence later in the autumn, pending government approval for participating physicians. Maddison McKee, press secretary for Alberta’s Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, disclosed that nearly 400 expressions of interest from physicians regarding dual practice were received over the summer and are currently under review.
Despite concerns raised by the Canadian Health Coalition about the perceived shift towards a U.S.-style healthcare system in Alberta, McKee dismissed these apprehensions as fearmongering, asserting that dual practice aligns with the Canada Health Act and does not compromise the public healthcare system’s integrity. The province aims to enhance access to healthcare through dual practice, emphasizing that it complements their commitment to providing medically necessary care without out-of-pocket expenses.
Federal Health Minister Michel expressed reservations about Bill 11 earlier this month, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding access to essential care within the public healthcare system. The federal government is engaging in discussions with Alberta to ensure that any changes adhere to the core principles of the public healthcare system and mitigate any potential negative impacts. Cooperation between the federal and provincial governments is crucial to addressing concerns and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system for all Albertans.