Canadian and provincial health organizations are urging the Canadian government to intervene and prevent Alberta from permitting doctors to practice in both the public and private healthcare systems. This change is facilitated by the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), known as Bill 11, which will come into effect on Tuesday.
Jason MacLean, the chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, described Bill 11 as the most significant threat to healthcare since the establishment of the Canada Health Act in 1984. A series of rallies in 30 locations across Canada is planned for the Day of Action on Tuesday, followed by 50 town halls this autumn as part of a nationwide campaign against the bill.
MacLean expressed concerns that allowing physicians to work in both systems could lead to unequal access to healthcare. He warned that resources might shift towards the private sector, causing delays in the public system. MacLean urged federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to take action promptly to prevent other provinces from following Alberta’s lead.
Bill 11 was passed in Alberta’s legislature during the autumn 2025 session, enabling doctors to apply for dual practice in both the public and private sectors. Physicians must meet specific public system work hour requirements to be eligible for dual practice, with family doctors currently excluded from this option.
Surgical procedures under the dual-practice model are expected to commence later in the autumn, as physicians need government approval before starting. Nearly 400 expressions of interest have been received from physicians regarding the new dual-practice option, according to Maddison McKee, press secretary for Alberta’s Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange.
McKee dismissed criticisms from the Canadian Health Coalition, labeling concerns about Alberta shifting towards a U.S.-style healthcare system as “fearmongering.” She affirmed that dual practice does not violate the Canada Health Act and emphasized the province’s commitment to a robust public healthcare system that ensures Albertans do not have to pay for necessary medical care.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel expressed concerns about Bill 11 earlier this month, emphasizing the importance of protecting access to necessary healthcare and upholding the core principles of the public healthcare system. The federal government is working closely with Alberta to ensure any changes align with the Canada Health Act and mitigate potential negative impacts on the public system.