Majority of Albertans Support Investment in Health-Care Professionals and Public Health Care: Survey

EDMONTON – A majority of Albertans want the province to invest in public health care and support the retention and recruitment of health-care professionals, according to a province-wide survey commissioned by the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA).

The survey, conducted in spring 2025, gathered responses from a representative sample of Albertans across the province. It found that 82 per cent of Albertans are concerned that health-care workers are overworked and leaving their jobs, while 81 per cent say the provincial government needs to invest more in public health care.

When asked to name the top issues facing Alberta’s health system, 65 per cent of Albertans surveyed identified staff shortages as their number one concern followed closely by long wait times. Other high-ranking concerns include quality of care, underfunding, and lack of access. The data aligns with similar findings recently released by the Alberta Medical Association.

“Albertans can see the staffing crisis, and they are worried about our critical professionals,” said HSAA President Mike Parker. “It’s clear that Albertans want real investment in public health care and the people who hold it together. That means fair wages, safe workloads, and better benefits that retain and recruit the health-care professionals needed to deliver exceptional care.”

Albertans also voiced strong concern about the impact of chronic vacancies, underfunding, and government decisions. Nearly eight in 10 said unfilled hospital positions are a serious issue, and three-quarters are concerned about moving towards American-style health care.

More than 80 per cent say increasing retention and recruitment of health-care professionals is important, as well as ensuring they have manageable workloads. More than two-thirds are concerned that health-care professionals don’t have fair wages, and 77 per cent believe HSAA’s push for fair wages and better benefits is important.

“This survey is a clear message to Alberta Health Services and provincial decision-makers: Albertans support public health care, and they understand that investing in the people who care for them is the best way to strengthen it for everyone,” Parker added.

The online survey was conducted by third-party research firm Y Station between April 14 and May 4, 2025, gathering responses from 800 Albertans across Edmonton, Calgary, other cities, and rural communities. Y Station weighted results by age, gender, and geography to ensure provincial representation.

HSAA represents more than 30,000 specialized health care professionals across the province, including diagnostic imaging technologists, respiratory therapists, paramedics, pharmacists, addictions counsellors, physiotherapists and 200 other professions providing essential care.

HSAA’s “Put Yourself in Their Shoes” campaign asks Albertans to step into the experience of professionals who continue to deliver critical care in a system stretched to its limits.

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A copy of the General Population Survey by Y Station is attached to this release.

Media Inquiries:  
Matt Dykstra, Communications Officer  
780-224-9202 | mdykstra@hsaa.ca