Dear Members,
I am writing to provide an update on physician stipend programs and to outline what we currently know, what remains unresolved and how the AMA is supporting members through this transition.
On January 27, 2026, the AMA provided a final proposal to the Minister to resolve stipend and ARP issues. The proposal included a comprehensive solution to modernize ARPs, AMHSPs, after-hours care, the physician on-call program and the SOMB (including proposed new codes for standby detention and transfer of care for family medicine specialists). The proposal addresses acute care stabilization concerns and is consistent with the recommendations provided last year (member login required) from both the Stipend Working Group and the ARP Working Group.
I know recent communications about stipends have created uncertainty for many physicians. The AMA continues to press government to address the outstanding items contained within our current AMA Agreement, and we are seeking clarity, fairness and stability for all physicians affected by these changes.
Family medicine specialist stipend programs
As communicated through Bulletin 290, family medicine stipends are scheduled to end on March 31, 2026.
Physicians currently funded through a family medicine stipend arrangement have options available. Starting April 1, physicians may choose to:
- continue providing the same services through the existing fee-for-service (FFS) schedule
- change or discontinue services
- establish a clinical Alternative Relationship Plan (cARP)*
*IMPORTANT: Physicians interested in transitioning to a cARP must notify Primary and Preventative Health Services (PPHS) by February 28, 2026.
For questions about the Medical Bulletin or stipend notices, the government has directed physicians to contact PPHS at [email protected]. We strongly encourage physicians to raise concerns and issues directly with PPHS so that government has a clear, documented record of the challenges and impacts physicians are experiencing.
Please cc [email protected] on all correspondence so the AMA has full visibility into these issues and can identify patterns and escalate concerns where appropriate.
The AMA will also continue to advocate for new FFS options available to all physicians providing the same service, even though government has signaled these will need to be part of the next contract negotiations.
Clarification regarding mixed-specialty programs
Bulletin 290 confirms that non-family medicine specialist stipends will be extended to October 1, 2026. However, the AMA has learned that some mixed-specialty programs have received inconsistent messaging, suggesting stipends for specialists may end earlier than stated.
This inconsistent messaging has understandably created confusion and uncertainty for mixed-specialty programs, and the AMA is actively seeking clarification from PPHS.
Reach out to AMA’s Compensation Transition Support Team
The AMA is here to support you. We have put a Compensation Transition Support Team in place to assist physicians who have a stipend ending. Please reach out to the support team as you are considering available options, including whether fee-for-service or a clinical ARP may be appropriate for your practice situation. We want to hear from you about what you are contemplating.
If you are currently on a family medicine specialist or mixed-specialty stipend program and would like support, you can:
- contact [email protected] with questions or to discuss your situation
- book a cARP orientation session with the support team to better understand available options
Non-family medicine specialist stipend programs
Government has indicated to the AMA that specialist stipends and cARP modernization will not be resolved before the end of the current AMA Agreement on March 31, 2026.
Modernization of cARP rates and rules for all specialties was a clear commitment under the current agreement. As a result, the AMA will now be pressing government to ensure this work is addressed during the extension period of the current agreement, which runs from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
We believe this matter should be resolved as soon as possible and should not be deferred into upcoming Master Agreement negotiations. It is an outstanding commitment, and we are advocating firmly for it to be completed.
The AMA remains fully committed to addressing ongoing compensation challenges and to negotiating a new Master Agreement that reflects the realities facing physicians and our health system. Physicians deserve to be compensated appropriately for the important care they provide for patients, and to have transparent, equitable choices in compensation models, regardless of where they practice in the province.
We are representing your interests and pursuing what the AMA believes is owed to members through our current Master Agreement, and we will continue to keep you informed.
Regards,
Brian Wirzba, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association