HSAA Calls for Immediate End to ASI and Private Surgical Facilities Amid Massive Overcharging Scandal 

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EDMONTON – The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) is demanding an end to the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI) and a return to full public ownership of private surgical facilities to prevent further profiteering off essential health care services following explosive revelations that private surgical facilities contracted by the province were charging more than double the cost of equivalent procedures performed in the public system.  

Documents obtained by The Globe and Mail expose shocking price discrepancies, showing that AHS pays $4,833 for a shoulder replacement, while private facilities under ASI were negotiating rates as high as $11,243. Similar overcharges exist for hip and knee replacements, with private providers consistently charging over twice what it costs AHS to perform the same procedures.  

"This is an outright betrayal of Albertans," said HSAA President Mike Parker. "The UCP tells Albertans for-profit health care would save money and cut wait times through innovation, but instead, we have an out-of-control system where taxpayer dollars are being funneled into private pockets at double the cost. This is not innovation—this is profiteering at its worst."  

These latest revelations in this scandal confirm what healthcare professionals have warned about all along: privatization drives up costs while undermining the public healthcare system. Instead of expanding access, the ASI program has redirected funding away from public health care, making the system more expensive and less efficient.  

“On one hand, the UCP is telling hard working health care professionals that there is no money available for wage increases that keep pace with inflation, or to fill vacancies, for Respiratory Therapists, Social Workers, Paramedics and all health care workers. Meanwhile, they are forcing the signing of contracts that funnel millions of dollars into the pockets of well-connected businessmen and political insiders,” said Parker.  

By prioritizing corporate profits over patient care, for-profit health care is leading to longer wait times for Albertans, delaying essential treatments and putting their health at greater risk.  

Given the scale of financial mismanagement and the threat to public healthcare, HSAA is calling for:  

  • The immediate cancellation of the Alberta Surgical Initiative to stop public funds from being wasted on overpriced private contracts. 
  • Full public ownership of private surgical clinics to bring essential procedures back under public control and ensure cost-effective care. 
  • A public inquiry into all ASI contracts to determine how these inflated prices were approved and who was responsible.  

"For-profit surgical companies have been given a blank cheque to exploit Alberta’s healthcare system," Parker added. "The only way forward is to shut down ASI now and integrate these clinics into the public system so every dollar goes toward patient care—not private corporations."  

Media Inquiries:  
Myles Curry , Manager of Communications  
587-991-9445 | MylesC@hsaa.ca