News Compensation Federal and Provincial Budgets
Alberta adds $750 million to health care to hep recruit, retain doctors

The provincial government says it will spend another $750 million on health care as part of an agreement with the Alberta Medical Association.

It says the agreement is to guarantee that all physicians receive an average rate increase between four and 5.25 per cent.

The $750 million is to be used for recruitment and retention programs, as well as rural and remote programming.

Health Minister Jason Copping says urgent action is needed to stabilize the health-care system and to address pressures that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren, the president of the Alberta Medical Association, says it’s important to build trust and maintain relationships between the doctors group and the province.

She says a lawsuit that the association filed against the province will remain in place until legislation allowing the province to rip up the contract with doctors is rescinded by the government.