Health Minister Tyler Shandro. (Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

New tentative agreement reached for physicians in Alberta

Feb 26, 2021 | 2:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) might soon have a new contract for physicians.

Back in February 2020, Health Minister Tyler Shandro tore up the contract, creating a long-standing dispute between the two sides.

In a vote of no confidence in June of last year, 98 per cent of AMA members said that they did not have confidence in Shandro and his ability to manage the province’s healthcare sector.

Now, the picture seems to be a bit more cheery.

The minister announced a new tentative agreement that focuses on three pillars – fiscal stability, patient care, and physician equity.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

“Our tentative agreement allows for fiscal sustainability into the future, while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and fairness and equity for physicians,” says Shandro.

“I am pleased that both parties could move forward and work together in a spirit of cooperation that positions us positively for the future. We have learned a lot from each other during this process and are building toward a renewed relationship based on collaboration and trust. Alberta’s government looks forward to having a strong relationship with both the AMA and individual physicians, as they have a critical role in keeping Albertans healthy.”

AMA President Dr. Paul Boucher says he was pleased to be able to return to having a collaborative relationship between physicians and the provincial government.

“For many years, AMA agreements have been powerful tools toward improving quality care that brings high value to the system and to patients. They are not just about funding for physicians. They have addressed needs such as new models for delivering care, building the Medical Home in Alberta, strategies to improve quality of care for patients, and more. This tentative agreement package has potential to continue that legacy.”

AMA’s approximately 11,000 members will vote on potentially ratifying the agreement and making it official. Voting will start immediately and go throughout a three-week period.

At this time, the exact details of what the tentative agreement contains have not been made public.