An image of a respiratory therapist intubating a patiend, with text on the image that says "Albertans already pay for health care. They shouldn't have to pay twice."

Albertans need more access to care, not more barriers

Media Releases

EDMONTON — HSAA is speaking out against the policy announced June 18 under Bill 11 – known as physician dual practice. 

Allowing physicians to privately bill patients for surgeries presents a potential threat to public health care in Alberta.  

This policy is being presented as a solution for long wait times. Albertans should know that this dual practice model opens the door to a tug-of-war between two systems, the privately funded system that people who can pay can quickly access, and the publicly funded system that risks depleting an already stretched workforce. It will not shorten wait times for most Albertans. 

Surgical care requires far more than surgeons. Every procedure requires a team of health-care professionals, including anesthesia assistants, surgical technologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, laboratory professionals, diagnostic imaging technologists, rehabilitation professionals and many others represented by HSAA. Alberta is already facing shortages and vacancies across many of these professions. 

“There is no health care without health-care professionals,” said Alfaro. “We have a finite number of skilled people delivering care in Alberta today. This policy risks pulling these essential professionals away from the public system.  This will further strain an already stretched workforce and Albertans who cannot pay extra for care, will feel it through increased worker shortages that may lead to cancelled surgeries and further delays. 

Albertans already pay for health care, why are we being asked to pay again?” said, HSAA President Leanne Alfaro. 

HSAA says the focus should remain on strengthening the public system by retaining health-care professionals, investing in recruitment, education, and training, filling vacancies, reducing burnout and ensuring health-care expertise informs decisions about how services are delivered. 

“Albertans care deeply about our public health-care system,” said Alfaro. “This policy puts that system at risk for Albertans who depend on it every day.” 

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Media Inquiries:   
Renato Gandia, Communications Officer   
403-512-9230 | rgandia@hsaa.ca