Alberta’s health system is under extraordinary pressure. Physicians are feeling that pressure across the system, but the fundamental question for Albertans remains simple: can patients get the care they need, when they need it?
Primary care – The foundation we cannot afford to weaken
The AMA's second annual State of Health Care report shows Albertans are confident in the quality and skill of their physicians and health care teams, but have less confidence in the system's ability to provide timely access to care when and where it's needed.
Today, government announced a $172.3 million investment in physician compensation as part of the final year of the current Master Agreement (2022-26).
Last week, you should have received a link to complete the latest AMA Member Tracking Survey. I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your experience. Your feedback gives us timely insight into the realities you are facing in practice and helps ensure our advocacy, priorities and member support reflect what physicians are experiencing right now.
Over the past several months, many of you have raised important questions about what expanded dual practice could mean for patients, physicians and the future of our publicly funded health care system — especially since Bill 11 (Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2)) was introduced.
Below you will find previous issues of The President's Letter. For older issues no longer on the website, contact us.
As I am sure many of you have heard, Alberta Health announced that Phase 2C of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out begins today. They have given priority to health care providers delivering direct patient care. I have heard from many members since the first vaccines were approved late last year, and we have all been anxiously awaiting this announcement.
To avoid days of silence at an important time, I wanted to write again before the weekend, which I hope will be a short break for many. I appreciate all the members who have written since the ratification vote to offer thoughtful comments on next steps for the AMA.
The membership has voted No to the Tentative Agreement Package between the Alberta Medical Association and the provincial government. 53% of members who voted, voted no and 47% voted yes. The overall vote turnout was 59% – which is considerably higher than for recent agreements.
As I announced in my February 26 President’s Letter, a Tentative Agreement Package has been reached with the provincial government. A special meeting of the Representative Forum convened virtually today. There was an excellent exchange of information and input. At the conclusion, there was overwhelming support to move forward with ratification. As a result, the Board has decided to proceed with a vote.
I have received comments and questions from many members regarding the tentative agreement with government. I realize everyone is eager to know what the tentative agreement contains and when they will be able to see it. The next step in the process is for the Board to bring the proposal to the Representative Forum to receive their input and advice prior to making the final decision to send to members.
As you know, discussions with government have been ongoing continuously since last fall. I am pleased to tell you that we have reached a tentative agreement package arising from the negotiations.
Much like our colleagues on the frontlines everywhere, feelings of distress are common amongst physicians. The reasons for this are multi-faceted, but the great uncertainty in our environment is playing a significant role. As evidence of this, our own Physician and Family Support Program has seen a sharp increase in calls related to anxiety, stress and depression.
In 2022 an Alberta physician will become president of the Canadian Medical Association. This is an exciting opportunity for Alberta and comes at a pivotal time in our country’s public health care system.
In a year that in many ways has been so unusual, we sometimes forget that “the usual” continues, too. One of the important roles the AMA has always played in Alberta is providing physician input into the work of the Legislative Assembly around various acts and regulations. In recent months, a number of statutes have come up for scheduled legislative review and the AMA has been asked to comment on two of them.
Efficiently vaccinating Albertans against COVID-19 will be a monumental task that will only be accomplished with careful planning and intersectoral collaboration. In my January 28 President’s Letter, I shared with you some imperatives I see for success.