Negotiations move to mediation

January 31, 2020

Dear Members:
 
Our negotiations with government are moving to a new stage. We have been at the negotiating table since November 2019. While we have seen some advances in recent weeks, both sides have agreed that discussions would benefit from mediation. A mutually agreed upon mediator has been appointed this week with the first mediated discussion occurring today. Meetings are currently scheduled to the end of February.
 
The minister and I have issued a joint statement to media, but I wanted members to hear the news from me.
 
I am still receiving questions about the proposed implementation date of February 1 that was provided initially in the documents from Alberta Health for some of the consultation items. The minister has clarified that nothing will advance while discussions continue with the AMA.
 
Our position continues to be that rate-related items remain within the negotiations environment in the broader context of a physician compensation strategy.
 
I think we all can be encouraged by the beginning of mediation. The parties still have work to do, but your team is well prepared for what lies ahead.
 
Starting next week, I am planning a series of letters to you that will revisit some of the key issues within our negotiations, aiming to bring clarity around essential elements to achieve an agreement.

Please let me know what you think in the following ways:

• Communicate with me privately and directly by email if you would like a reply: president@albertadoctors.org
• Comment publicly below on this President’s Letter (please be aware that comments are public, i.e., not members-only, even if you are logged in as a member).

In your service, 

Christine P. Molnar, MD, FRCPC 
President, Alberta Medical Association