Overview
- Premier Danielle Smith outlined a 'dual practice surgery model' allowing surgeons to work in both public and private streams, with the bill not yet tabled and details still in draft form.
- The confidential draft would create three physician categories, including 'flexibly‑participating' doctors who could decide case by case whether to bill publicly or privately.
- The government says the approach aims to cut surgical wait times and retain specialists, requiring participating surgeons to complete a set number of publicly funded procedures before doing private elective work.
- Draft safeguards include a ban on extra‑billing, written cost disclosure and patient consent for privately billed services, and provincial authority to restrict which services may be offered privately to protect public care.
- Health Canada is engaging with Alberta on the proposal, while the CMA, AMA and advocacy groups warn of a two‑tier system, longer waits for those who cannot pay, and potential conflicts with federal law; Minister Matt Jones said the scope could extend beyond surgery but key ratios and enforcement remain undecided.