Alberta healthcare legislation sparks national protests

Healthcare advocacy groups across Canada are protesting Alberta’s Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), also known as Bill 11. The legislation allows physicians to practice in both the public and private healthcare systems simultaneously, a model unique to Alberta among Canadian provinces.

Critics, including the Canadian Health Coalition and the Nova Scotia Health Coalition, argue the move threatens the universal, single-payer Medicare system established by the Canada Health Act. Jason MacLean, chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, described the bill as “the biggest threat against health care since the Canada Health Act was passed in 1984,” warning that resources may migrate toward private systems, increasing waitlists in the public sector.

Advocates are calling on the federal government to intervene and enforce the Canada Health Act to prevent a two-tiered system. Concerns have been raised that other provinces, such as Saskatchewan, may follow Alberta’s lead. To protest, groups have organized a “Day of Action” featuring rallies in 30 locations across the country and a series of town halls scheduled for this fall.

Under the new rules, physicians must apply for approval and work a prescribed number of hours in the public system to be eligible for dual practice. Currently, family physicians are excluded from this model. Surgeries under the dual-practice framework are expected to begin later this fall following the approval process.