"Health Matters at the Legislature" for June 2026
What’s shaping health care in Alberta this month? The following article captures health-care news and announcements from June 11 to July 8, 2026.
Public health professionals to remain within Alberta’s public health-care system
The Government of Alberta has cancelled its plan to move Public Health Inspectors and other public health professionals into direct government employment. Instead, they will transition to Primary Care Alberta later this year, while other public health professionals will move to either Primary Care Alberta or Health Shared Services based on their roles.
The decision means these professionals will retain their negotiated wages, benefits, seniority and workplace protections under their existing collective agreement during the transition. They will also remain represented by HSAA in negotiations.
“We appreciate the government’s willingness to listen and make a decision that protects both the public health system and the professionals who deliver it.”
Leanne Alfaro, HSAA President
HSAA has consistently advocated for keeping public health professionals within Alberta’s integrated public health-care system, recognizing their essential role in protecting Albertans through food safety inspections, communicable disease investigations, drinking water safety and outbreak response.
HSAA Board supports Alberta remaining in Canada
HSAA’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to support Alberta remaining part of Canada ahead of the October provincial referendum on separation.
The Board says Canada’s publicly funded health-care system is built on shared values including equitable access to care, national health standards and collaboration across provinces. Remaining in Canada, it says, is the best way to protect those principles and strengthen Alberta’s public health-care system.
“Canada’s universal health-care system is something generations have worked hard to create. We must protect it and continue to make it better.”
Leanne Alfaro, HSAA President
Bill 11: physician dual practice moves ahead
The Government of Alberta announced the policy that will allow eligible physicians to perform both publicly funded and privately paid surgeries beginning in September.
The province says the policy will increase surgical capacity and reduce wait times through a dual practice model operating in accredited surgical facilities.
HSAA continues to express concern that Alberta’s greatest challenge is not operating room space, but the availability of health-care professionals. Every surgery relies on highly specialized teams including respiratory therapists, anesthesia assistants, surgical technologists, laboratory professionals, pharmacists and diagnostic imaging technologists and Alberta continues to face shortages across many of these professions.
“There is no health care without health-care professionals.”
Leanne Alfaro, HSAA President
HSAA continues to advocate for investments in recruitment, retention and workforce planning as the most effective way to improve access to care.
The Alberta Medical Association has submitted to government a proposed safeguards report on dual-practice to address physician concerns. The Official Opposition called on the federal government to review the Government of Alberta’s policy.
“We would like a statement from the federal government that, in fact, the dual practice system does violate the Canada Health Act, and that the Canada health transfer will be cut dollar for dollar for every dollar spent in the private health care system.”
Naheed Nenshi, Alberta NDP Leader
Alberta releases 10-year cancer strategy
The provincial government unveiled Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Cancer to 2036, outlining a long-term roadmap to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
The strategy includes commitments to expand screening programs, improve diagnostic pathways, invest in research and innovation, modernize digital tools and strengthen Alberta’s cancer workforce.
“As a cancer survivor, I know first-hand how deeply cancer affects individuals and families. This 10-year plan is our roadmap to ensuring that Alberta isn’t just keeping up but leading the country when it comes to cancer care.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services
Budget 2026 includes significant funding for cancer services, including hiring additional oncologists and expanding treatment capacity.
As implementation moves forward, the effectiveness of the strategy will depend on sustained investment in both infrastructure and the specialized health-care professionals who deliver cancer care.
New pharmacy agreement aims to improve access to care
The Government of Alberta and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association reached a new three-year agreement intended to improve access to pharmacy services.
The agreement includes longer prescription refills for Albertans with stable chronic conditions, expanded pharmacist-led care in rural communities and updated funding to support community pharmacies.
The province says the changes will reduce unnecessary trips to pharmacies while allowing pharmacists to provide more clinical services closer to home.
Province invests in physician compensation
The Government of Alberta announced a $172.3-million investment in physician compensation under its agreement with the Alberta Medical Association.
The funding is intended to support physician recruitment and retention, modernize compensation models and improve access to care across the province, including in rural communities.
The province says the investment builds on more than $1 billion committed toward physician supports since 2022. The Alberta Medical Association says it hopes the change in pay structure will help to improve continuity of care for people with complex psychiatric disorders, multiple disabilities, geriatric patients and people under the care of a team of doctors.
Government pauses integrated fire/EHS procurement
The province directed EHS Alberta to halt its procurement strategy for integrated fire and emergency health services in seven municipalities.
Government says it will work with affected communities to develop a revised approach aimed at ensuring sustainable emergency medical services while giving municipalities additional time to plan for future changes.
Earlier in the month, the government also reversed the recent EHS branding rollout, restoring the previous name and logo while further consultation takes place.