Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is calling on the federal government to review the United Conservative Party's dual practice surgery model to ensure it complies with the Canada Health Act. During a press conference on Thursday, Nenshi expressed concerns that the model contravenes several aspects of the act, particularly by permitting doctors and clinics to charge patients for services already covered under the public health system.
Nenshi's Concerns
Nenshi emphasized that the Canada Health Act guarantees all Canadians access to healthcare without financial or other barriers. He stated, "We would like a statement from the federal government that, in fact, the dual practice system does violate the Canada Health Act, and that the Canada Health Transfer will be cut dollar for dollar for every dollar spent in the private health care system."
In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Nenshi requested that the federal health minister review the UCP's decision to implement the dual practice model. He highlighted concerns about allowing dual practice within public hospitals and the lack of clarity regarding the minimum hours physicians must work in the public sector to qualify for the framework.
"Without these safeguards, this policy represents a significant step toward a system where access depends on the ability to pay, something that Canadians and Albertans have consistently rejected," Nenshi wrote.
Federal Response
Alexandre Bergeron, press secretary to federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, stated that Health Canada is currently reviewing the regulations for the dual practice model legislation and its potential impacts before implementation. He noted that Ottawa respects provincial jurisdiction over healthcare but affirmed, "The Government of Canada will always uphold the Canada Health Act and protect Canada's universal, public health care system, including access to care." Bergeron added, "All Canadians, including Albertans, should receive health care based on medical need, not on their ability to pay for it."
Provincial Perspective
In November, Alberta introduced legislation allowing physicians to practice in both the private and public sectors. On Thursday, Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange announced that the first dual practice surgeries will commence this fall, though the minimum required public service hours for physicians have not yet been determined.
LaGrange's press secretary, Maddison McKee, said the minister met with Michel earlier this month to discuss the dual practice model. McKee emphasized the province's commitment to adhering to the Canada Health Act, asserting that the model does not violate it. "Our priority is a strong public system and ensuring Albertans never have to pay out of pocket for medically necessary care," McKee said. "Expanding access through dual practice does not take away from that — it adds to it. This is not an either/or debate. It is about giving Albertans more choice."
