Health Matters at the Legislature for July 2026
What’s shaping health care in Alberta this month? The following article captures health-care news and announcements from July 13 to August 4, 2026.
Province introduces self-referral diagnostic imaging
The Government of Alberta announced that, beginning July 31, Albertans can purchase MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray examinations without a referral from a physician or other authorized health-care provider at participating private clinics.
The province says the program is intended to expand access to preventative screening and support earlier cancer detection. If a self-referred test identifies a previously undiagnosed cancer, patients may be reimbursed at publicly funded rates. The Government says medically necessary diagnostic imaging ordered by a physician or nurse practitioner will remain publicly funded and continue to be prioritized based on clinical need.
HSAA shares the goal of improving access to diagnostic testing but warned that expanding access without addressing workforce shortages risks placing additional pressure on Alberta’s already strained diagnostic imaging system.
“Every Albertan deserves access to timely diagnostic testing when they need it. Every day, thousands of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) members operate highly-specialized imaging equipment, providing the MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays that physicians and specialists depend on to make the diagnosis and treat the patient.
Leanne Alfaro, HSAA President
“But more and more, Albertans are waiting longer because diagnostic testing depends not only on access to equipment, but on access to these professionals who have the expertise needed to support the diagnosis. And right now, there are not enough of them to keep up with our growing population, which limits access to testing for patients who need it.
“This is a serious problem, and one Alberta needs to tackle thoughtfully with the input of frontline health professionals. However, Alberta’s recent push to expand private diagnostic imaging services by allowing Albertans to self-refer for testing and seek reimbursement risks significantly increasing demand for these tests without expanding the workforce.”
The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) echoed those concerns.
“Medical imaging is a finite health-care resource. Across Alberta, MRTs are already working in an environment marked by workforce shortages, increasing imaging volumes and growing wait lists.”
Kelly Masotti, CEO, Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT)
Both organizations are calling for sustained investments in education, recruitment, retention and long-term workforce planning to ensure Albertans have timely access to diagnostic imaging while protecting the capacity of the public health-care system.
National health organizations rally against Bill 11
Public health advocates from across Canada gathered in Charlottetown during the Council of the Federation meeting to urge premiers and the federal government to oppose the expansion of two-tier health care.
The rally focused on Alberta's Bill 11, with organizers arguing the legislation could lead to a parallel private health-care system and undermine the principles of the Canada Health Act. They called on the federal government to enforce the Act and on provincial governments to strengthen publicly funded health care through investment rather than privatization.
“By pushing forward with implementing Bill 11 our provincial government in Alberta is rapidly bringing two-tier American-style health care into Canada... The urgency of addressing this threat to our universal Medicare cannot be overstated."
Chris Gallaway, Executive Director, Friends of Medicare
The rally brought together representatives from health coalitions, labour organizations and nursing associations from across Canada, all calling for renewed investment in Canada's publicly funded health-care system.
Primary Care Alberta introduces regional corridor model
The Government of Alberta announced the creation of seven Primary Care Corridor Health Corporations under Primary Care Alberta.
The organizations will oversee planning, coordination and funding of primary care services within Alberta’s regional health corridors.
The corporations are expected to become operational in spring 2027.
Province reports record physician growth
The Government of Alberta announced Alberta has reached a record number of fully registered physicians.
According to new data from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, the province now has more than 14,000 physicians—an increase of almost 10 per cent over the past year.
“More physicians than ever are choosing Alberta. These numbers show that our investments to attract and retain health professionals are delivering results and helping improve access to care for Albertans across the province.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services
The Government says physician growth occurred across every health zone and includes increases in both family physicians and specialists.
While physician recruitment remains an important component of improving access to care, HSAA continues to emphasize that Alberta’s health-care system also depends on recruiting and retaining the many specialized health-care professionals who work alongside physicians throughout the patient journey.
Province expands addiction and mental health supports in Edmonton and Calgary
The Government of Alberta announced two new investments in community-based care aimed at improving access to health and social services for vulnerable Albertans.
On July 22, the province announced more than $30 million to expand addiction and mental health services in Edmonton, including more than 400 new treatment, stabilization, housing and recovery beds. The funding also supports new navigation services, recovery-oriented programs and an Integrated Stabilization Centre designed to connect people experiencing addiction and mental health crises with treatment and community supports.
On Aug. 4, the province announced an additional $30 million for community health centres in Calgary, bringing total funding to $60 million over four years. The investment will expand access to integrated primary care, mental health and addiction services, housing navigation, food access programs and other wraparound supports for Albertans facing barriers to care.
“Every Albertan deserves access to the care and support they need, when and where they need it, without having to navigate the system alone.”
Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services
Government says the funding will strengthen coordinated care, improve patient navigation and increase access to community-based health and social supports before people reach crisis.
“The trends in Edmonton are deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. While most communities have seen opioid deaths return to pre-pandemic levels, Edmonton remains the exception. These investments are about strengthening Edmonton’s entire system of care so more people can get the help they need.”
Rick Wilson, Minister, Mental Health and Addiction
The funding will add more than 400 treatment, stabilization, transitional housing and recovery beds while expanding navigation services and community-based supports.
The announcement also includes the launch of an Integrated Stabilization Centre, a partnership between Recovery Alberta and the Edmonton Police Service intended to connect individuals experiencing addiction and mental health crises with treatment and community supports.
Government says the investments are intended to strengthen the continuum of care while helping reduce pressure on emergency departments and front-line services.
Kidney care expansion announced for southern Alberta
The province announced a $23.4-million investment to expand kidney care services at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.
The project includes a new hemodialysis unit that will increase treatment capacity by more than 25 per cent and a larger Kidney Care Clinic supporting home dialysis, patient education and transplant services.
Government says the expansion will allow more southern Alberta patients to receive life-sustaining care closer to home while helping meet growing demand for kidney services.