Health Minister Jason Copping has announced the details of a new Health Workforce Strategy, aimed at bolstering healthcare in Alberta. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta announces $158 million Health Workforce Strategy

Feb 16, 2023 | 2:27 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has unveiled a plan that it says will aid in attracting and retaining healthcare workers.

The government says the Health Workforce Strategy will include new models for emergency medical services (EMS). It will also entail funding to train more physicians, nurses, healthcare aides, and allied health professionals.

The strategy will fund $90 million for programs to attract and retain physicians to rural areas and $29 million to fulfill the government’s commitments under the 2022 agreement with the Alberta Medical Association. It also includes $7 million for the targeted recruitment of nurses from the United States and United Kingdom, and $1 million for the provincial Nurse Navigator program.

As part of the upcoming Alberta Budget 2023, Health Minister Jason Copping says the $158 million plan lays the foundation for a resilient and sustainable healthcare system.

“Demands on the workforce will also continue to grow as the population ages,” says Copping. “This strategy builds on the great work already underway and sets the stage for a resilient work environment in the province that supports its workers in providing the highest quality health care.”

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Alberta Continuing Care Association Board Member Jennifer McCue says the additional funding for staffing is greatly appreciated.

“The ability to attract skilled health care professionals to continuing care has always been a challenge, especially in rural areas. The new Health Workforce Strategy will enhance our sector’s opportunities to grow and sustain a talented, healthy and resilient workforce,” says McCue.

A media release from the province states that the strategy is centered on five pillars:

• Retain and support a safe, engaging, and meaningful work environment for healthcare workers.
• Attract new workers from across Canada and the world.
• Grow capacity by educating and training more healthcare workers.
• Implement collaborative, proactive, and evidence-based approaches to long-term workforce planning.
• Design and implement new models of care, including:
  • New approaches to rural and remote care delivery and surgical staffing.
  • Additional support for intensive care units and emergency department staffing.
  • Expanded support for physician and acute care services.

The province states that more health-related initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Physicians sign new agreement with Alberta Government

READ MORE: Alberta budget set for Feb. 28, with focus on funding for health, school growth