OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, many Alberta doctors can now work in private clinics, billing patients' credit cards while working in the public system at the same time. The Alberta government has taken this extraordinary step toward an American-style health care system.

This means doctors will spend less time in the public system. While this may be good news for the rich, it is bad news for most Albertans. It will lead to longer wait times for urgent care, diagnostic tests, and surgeries.

The new rules clearly violate the Canada Health Act and the principles of fair and timely access to health care for all. That's why Health Minister Marjorie Michel and the federal government must stand up for Albertans and all Canadians to ensure this new legislation doesn't create a new normal of health care haves and have-nots.

Every day, physicians see what happens when patients face barriers to care. We know a strong public health system works best when care is determined by medical need, not personal finances.

We can strengthen the public health system by investing in the health workforce, expanding team-based care, and adopting technologies and innovation to improve access.

The federal government must take a strong stand. Access to care is core to who we are as Canadians. Alberta must reconsider this made-in-America approach.

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi
CMA President

About the CMA

The Canadian Medical Association leads a national movement with physicians who believe in a better future of health. Our ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy. We drive change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing – guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association