At a Glance - Week of June 30
Dual Practice Model Rolls Out this Fall
The province announced that its planned “dual practice” health care model will launch in September 2026, allowing eligible physicians to provide both publicly and privately paid procedures in accredited facilities. Eligible procedures may include orthopedic surgeries, hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery, and minimally invasive general surgeries. Emergency, life-saving and cancer care will remain exclusively publicly funded, and family physicians will generally not be eligible.
The model is intended to expand surgical capacity, improve access, and provide more care options while maintaining the public system. The Opposition NDP argued that expanded private delivery will not meaningfully address capacity constraints. “Alberta’s public health-care system is being steadily eroded by the UCP government as they barrel forward with their plans to introduce a two-tier, American-style, for-profit system here in our province,” stated Opposition Leader, Naheed Nenshi.
Minister's Council on Infrastructure Financing
Alberta’s government is launching a minister’s council to explore new ways for municipalities to finance critical infrastructure. The council will bring together municipal leaders and industry representatives to examine innovative funding approaches, alternative financing models, private sector partnerships and tools used in other jurisdictions. The initiative comes as population growth and economic expansion increase demand for municipal infrastructure.
Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, commented: “As Alberta’s communities grow, we must address our growing infrastructure gap. We need to ensure municipalities have the tools they need to build and maintain infrastructure that supports that growth. The province will continue to support municipal infrastructure with predictable funding, and this leadership is listening to municipalities, from our small and rural to our largest cities, and giving them more tools in their toolbox to build the infrastructure demands of the future.”
Alberta Unveils 10-Year Cancer Care Strategy
Alberta has released a new 10-year provincial cancer care strategy aimed at improving prevention, early detection, treatment and recovery across the province. Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Cancer to 2036 outlines more than 40 actions, including expanding screening programs, improving diagnostic and referral pathways, and increasing access to clinical trials and advanced therapies. The strategy was developed with input from patients, families, health-care providers, researchers, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders.
Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Adriana LaGrange, commented: “As a cancer survivor, I know first-hand how deeply cancer affects individuals and families. This 10-year plan is our roadmap to ensuring that Alberta isn’t just keeping up but leading the country when it comes to cancer care.”
Province Reverses Course on Liquor Prices
The Alberta government has reversed its recent increase to minimum alcohol prices in bars and restaurants, restoring lower prices for beer, spirits, wine and cider. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the change is effective immediately and is intended “to provide businesses and Albertans with greater certainty and consistency.”
The reversal followed a social media exchange between Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas over Calgary Stampede rules, including new noise restrictions and earlier weeknight closing times for concerts.