Health Minister Jason Copping announces proposed legislation that would eliminate the government's ability to terminate existing contracts with doctors. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta Government proposes eliminating its ability to terminate doctor agreement

Dec 5, 2022 | 3:07 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Alberta Government is announcing proposed legislation that it says would ensure doctors have stable and predictable funding.

If passed, Bill 4, the Alberta Health Care Insurance Amendment Act, 2022, would repeal Section 40.2 of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act, which allowed the government to terminate its compensation-related agreements with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).

Health Minister Jason Copping says the removal of this provision will give physicians confidence that their funding will remain consistent throughout their contract, allowing them to continue to meet the ever-changing needs of their patients.

“Alberta has the best front-line health-care workers in the world and we will work to have the right supports in place to ensure Albertans get the care they need when and where they need it,” says Copping. “Repealing this legislation is part of our commitment to rebuild our relationship with physicians and we’re taking immediate action to fulfill that promise.”

Section 40.2 was first implemented in October 2019 as part of Bill 21, the Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability Act.

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In early 2020, former Health Minister Tyler Shandro utilized that authority to unilaterally cancel the master agreement with the AMA, leading to an overwhelming vote of non-confidence from doctors in the government official.

AMA President Dr. Fredrykka Rinaldi says, in response to the proposed repeal of Section 40.2, the AMA will end its lawsuit against the Alberta Government.

“We appreciate this swift action to repeal Section 40.2. This process will encourage renewed collaboration to serve Albertans and our health-care system,” says Rinaldi.

This change comes as the provincial government and AMA continue work on implementing their new master agreement, which was signed in September 2022. It adds a total of $750 million in funding over the four-year term.

The agreement includes several adjustments, such as compensation increases, investments into physician recruitment and retention, and the removal of a cap that limited how many patient visits could be fully billed to the government.

by David Opinko