The AMA has been ready to advance solutions to the ED crisis from day one. There are governance processes defined within the current master agreement (2022-2026) between the AMA and the Government of Alberta that address how new alternative relationship plans (ARPs) are to be approved and implemented. These processes were not followed by relevant government ministries and agencies as it relates to the Triage Liaison Physician (TLP) position. For many weeks it has been difficult to advance discussions or reach decisions as it was unclear among government ministries and agencies where the responsibilities and accountabilities lay for the rates and conditions supporting the TLP.
Contrary to what was stated in a government press conference today, the delay has not been on the AMA’s end and is not solely related to the compensation rate for the TLP as an ARP. The content of the ministerial order and related contract terms and conditions are also involved. We need to ensure that the role and remuneration are structured in a way that is aligned with the clinical services and related patient outcomes the TLP is intended to achieve. This includes recognizing that the TLP position should be considered a temporary solution required in an extraordinary time while permanent, short and long-term solutions are worked on. The updated rates and processes to modernize ARPs were submitted through the bilateral AMA/Primary and Preventative Health Services Management Committee to Minister LaGrange in April 2025 for implementation.
The AMA has been a willing partner in the implementation of these new ARP rates and processes, including application to the TLP position. We were informed this morning through the appropriate governance structure that the rates and conditions are being reviewed and that a meeting involving the AMA and our Section of Emergency Medicine will be forthcoming. We are hopeful that progress can now be made.
The public is rightfully concerned about the ED crisis. The AMA and our ED physicians see no need to delay the resolution of the TLP ARP when patients are waiting for care. To allow time for the TLP ARP to move quickly through the appropriate process, the AMA will not be doing interviews on this topic for the time being. We are confident that Ministers LaGrange and Jones will be able to provide a joint update in the near future.
Dr. Brian Wirzba
AMA President