Health-care organizations in Canada are urging the federal government to intervene and prevent Alberta from allowing doctors to work in both the public and private healthcare systems. This change is enabled by Bill 11, also known as the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), which will come into effect this week.
According to Jason MacLean, chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, Bill 11 poses a significant threat to the healthcare system, comparable to the impact of the Canada Health Act enacted in 1984. MacLean emphasized his concerns at a press conference in Ottawa on Monday.
To oppose this legislation, the Canadian Health Coalition has planned rallies in 30 locations across the country on its designated Day of Action, followed by 50 town halls later in the year as part of a nationwide campaign against the bill.
MacLean highlighted the potential consequences of allowing physicians to practice in both systems, warning that resources may shift towards the private sector, leading to extended wait times in the public system. He called on Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to take immediate action to prevent other provinces from following Alberta’s lead.
Bill 11, which was passed in Alberta in the fall of 2025, permits doctors to seek approval to practice in both the public and private sectors. However, family physicians are currently restricted from dual practice.
The implementation of surgeries under the dual-practice model in Alberta is expected to commence in the upcoming months, pending government approval for participating physicians who can start applying in mid-September. Maddison McKee, press secretary for Alberta’s Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, stated that the province is evaluating nearly 400 expressions of interest from physicians regarding the new dual-practice option.
McKee dismissed concerns raised by the Canadian Health Coalition, labeling them as “fearmongering,” and emphasized that dual practice does not violate the Canada Health Act. She reiterated the province’s commitment to maintaining a robust public healthcare system and ensuring that Albertans do not have to pay for necessary medical care out of pocket.
Despite criticisms, the federal government, as represented by Health Minister Marjorie Michel and her spokesperson Alexandre Bergeron, is engaging with Alberta to explore innovative measures to enhance access to healthcare while upholding the principles of the public, universal healthcare system.
Ottawa has communicated with the province to review regulations and ensure that any changes align with the Canada Health Act. Both levels of government are collaborating to mitigate any potential negative impacts on the public system.
