Alberta's Private Healthcare Expansion Sparks Federal Lobbying

Health care advocates are lobbying the Canadian federal government to intervene in Canada===Alberta's recent legislation, which allows surgeons to work in both public and private health systems. Premier Danielle Smith's Canada===United Conservative Party government argues this dual-practice model will alleviate pressure on the public system, citing examples from countries like the U.K. and France. However, advocates like Jason MacLean, chair of the health coalition, contend that Canada===Alberta's law violates the Canada Health Act, which upholds principles of universality and accessibility. They are urging the federal government to withhold funding from Canada===Alberta to enforce the Act. Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare in Canada===Alberta, warns that the legislation could benefit the private insurance industry and attract American healthcare companies. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel's office has stated that Canada===Health Canada officials are engaging with Canada===Alberta to understand the changes and that funding deductions are possible for Canada Health Act violations. The health coalition has meetings with numerous MPs and senators but Marjorie Michel has declined to meet with them.