Statement from HSAA on Government of Alberta’s Bill 29

HSAA President Mike Parker issued the following statement:

“The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) supports efforts to improve access to care, including earlier detection and faster access to addiction treatment. At the same time, this legislation raises important questions that Albertans deserve answers to:

• Which preventative tests will be available — and who will pay for them?
• Will this reduce wait times — or make public system waitlists longer?
• At a time of staffing shortages, will workers be drawn out of the public system into private care?
• How will government ensure there are enough health care professionals to deliver both new and existing services?
• Will people who can pay get faster access to care?
• How will quality and consistency of care be maintained across a changing system?

“Albertans value a health-care system that is publicly funded, universally accessible and high quality. Access to care is not just about opening new doors — it’s about ensuring there are skilled professionals behind every one of them.

“HSAA will continue to advocate for solutions that protect both patients and professionals, ensure care is provided based on need—not the ability to pay—and support the development of a coordinated, province-wide health human resources plan that secures a stable sustainable workforce for Alberta’s future.”

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