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.
I am writing to update you on the latest developments regarding physician stipends and the transition to Clinical Alternative Relationship Plans (cARPS).
This is my final President’s Letter of 2025. Along with the chronic capacity and access challenges, exacerbated by respiratory virus season hitting the system hard, government announcements in recent weeks have dominated the news. This has included major health system changes in the way physicians can bill and the use of the notwithstanding clause on Bill 9.
On November 18, I issued my first statement on Alberta’s plan to allow physicians to work in both public and private systems. On November 19, the Premier released a video outlining her vision for the Dual Practice Surgery Model — providing some insight into rebalancing public and private health care.
Today, government introduced Bill 9 legislation invoking the notwithstanding clause to override a court ruling that protects youth access to gender-affirming care. This action places government between a patient and their physician, undermining clinical autonomy.
We are pleased to share that the proposed five-year agreement has been ratified with strong support: 94% of voting physicians were in favour.
The AMA’s mission is clear: Advocate for and support Alberta physicians. Strengthen their leadership in delivering sustainable, quality care.
Alberta Health has released Bulletin MED 286, confirming that retroactive payments under the Rural Remote Northern Program (RRNP) for the period April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, will be deposited today (October 31, 2025). Read the full President's Letter for more information.
Today we launched the latest profile in our Informed Reform campaign: Strengthening Public Health. The article explores the vital role of public health in Alberta, highlighting its impact on our province’s wellbeing and its deep connection to nearly every sector Albertans rely on.
If only 5% of Albertans are deterred from getting vaccinated, the projected additional health care costs exceed $65 million in hospitalization costs alone. This far surpasses any savings the province might achieve through spending less on vaccines or minimizing wastage.
Negotiating compensation agreements on behalf of Alberta’s physicians is a core function of the AMA. One of the most important agreements is with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), which covers payment for physician services provided to employees injured at work.