A ratification vote will be held

September 9, 2016

Dear Member:

Last night the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) Representative Forum (RF) met in Edmonton and Calgary. The sites were linked by videoconference and delegates who were unable to attend in person joined by webcast.

The purpose of the meeting was to receive a presentation on the tentative package of amendments that has been negotiated with Alberta Health to amend the ongoing 2011-18 AMA Agreement. I wrote to you about this in my August 30 and September 2 President’s Letters.

As per our usual process, the Board of Directors consulted with the RF before determining whether a ratification vote would be held on the tentative amendments package. There was an excellent discussion with the RF. In the end, delegates told the board that they were supportive of providing the information to members, and holding a ratification vote. After considering this input, the board has directed that we will proceed to a vote.

Providing what you need to know

Our priority now shifts to ensuring that all members have a chance to become familiar with the tentative amendments package before voting. We will be doing this in a variety of ways.

On Monday, September 12, you will receive an email from me containing all the details about:

• Written material and information resources on the website that will be your “one-stop shop” for information and voting purposes.
  • We have prepared some documents to explain what is in the tentative package, why those provisions are there and what the proposed amendments will accomplish.
  • We will provide the legal documents of the tentative amendments package, both (i) as stand-alone documents and (ii) in a consolidated version so you can see where the new pieces fit into the ongoing 2011-18 AMA Agreement.
  • Frequently Asked Questions will be posted and updated weekly.
• Information sessions: We have scheduled meetings across the province so you can hear a presentation and ask questions. For individuals outside of Edmonton and Calgary, if you cannot attend in person, the other regional events can be joined by teleconference. Venue details will follow in the Monday email, but here are the cities and dates. All meetings commence at 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 13: Calgary (in-person only) and Fort McMurray
  • Wednesday, September 14: Red Deer
  • Thursday, September 15: Edmonton (in-person only)
  • Monday, September 19: Medicine Hat
  • Tuesday, September 20: Grande Prairie and Lethbridge
• Contact information for your questions and comments. If you are not able to attend an information session, the website will include links to ask questions and receive answers, as well as review the questions and answers from other members.
• Details of how to vote (electronically) and when voting will open and close.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead. Your emails are always welcome at president@albertadoctors.org or you may leave a comment below.

Kind regards,

Carl W. Nohr, MDCM, PhD, FRCSC, FACS
President