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.
Yesterday Alberta broke a long-standing record and it is one we neither wanted nor expected to break. We surpassed the 1985 peak of 843 cases of measles in the province with 868 cases.
Repeated surveys reveal that physicians want the AMA to amplify our collective voices and build solutions with government so that patients get the care they need and deserve. To date, successful advocacy has led to some positive collaboration with government — but so much more is needed.
Today, the Canadian Medical Association and three Alberta physicians have filed an application with the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta for the judicial review of Bill 26, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 regarding its proposed changes to the Health Professions Act R.S.A 2000.
On Friday, May 16 a cabinet shuffle was announced that included some health system restructuring at the ministerial level, aligning responsibilities with the four provincial agencies of the health system refocusing.
As of May 8, the government’s dashboard confirms 313 total cases of measles in Alberta. This marks the worst measles outbreak our province has seen in decades, and the number of hospitalizations indicate the actual number of cases is much higher.
The government has introduced Bill 53 Compassionate Intervention Act for mandatory addiction treatment.
The announcement of CaRMS Round Two results on April 17 was a big improvement on Round One.
Yesterday we learned that Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe has completed his contract with the province. . He has served in this role since November 2022, assuming the role in the late pandemic and early days of the current government’s administration.
At the Spring 2025 Representative Forum, we engaged extensively with delegates on topics ranging from Negotiations 2026 to daily interactions with government. Across microphone comments, hallway conversations, breakout groups and live polling sessions, one word stood out: respect.
Today we launched the fifth topic in our Acute Care Concerns series, highlighting the important work of our dedicated pediatrics colleagues who play an integral role in children’s health and development.