Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces new funding for physicians. (Image Credit: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Alberta announces $1.4 billion increase for doctors in 2026 Budget

Feb 23, 2026 | 1:18 PM

The Alberta government says it plans to make a “record investment” into physicians in its upcoming budget.

The 2026 Budget proposes spending $7.7 billion in 2026-27, an increase of $1.4 billion, or 22 per cent, compared to 2025.

The money would be earmarked for physician recruitment, training, compensation and development.

Premier Danielle Smith says this will help ensure the province can meet demand with timely, high-quality care.

“Albertans expect to see a doctor when they need one. Access to care is a priority for families across this province. That is why we are making the largest investment in physicians in Alberta’s history, backing the doctors who care for our families and taking real action to improve care provincewide,” says Smith.

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The budget, set to be fully unveiled on Thursday, Feb. 26, would include $7.3 billion for physician services, $450 million for recruitment and education, and $15 million for other supports.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says this record funding will help pay for treatments, appointments, services and training.

She adds that the number of physicians practicing in the province has increased by 34 per cent over the last decade to more than 13,000.

“We’re seeing record numbers of physicians moving to Alberta, record surgery volumes and more than 700 family physicians taking new patients,” says LaGrange.

The Alberta Government launched its new Primary Care Physician compensation model in April 2025. It says it has provided $200 million over two years to support the transition to the new model, and $57 million over three years to help family doctors and nurse practitioners manage their growing patient loads.

READ MORE: New Primary Care Physician compensation model launches April 1

Sharif Haji, Alberta’s New Democrat Shadow Minister for Primary and Preventative Health Services issued the following statement Monday in response:

“Nearly a million Albertans still don’t have a family doctor, and the gap between reality and rhetoric from the UCP government needs to be closed. The announcement today by the premier is unclear as to whether this new money will just cover a new contract with existing doctors or will see a real gain in doctor-to-patient numbers. The reality is we have fewer doctors per capita in Alberta than we did when the UCP government came to power.

“Just like the unfulfilled commitment from over a month ago to immediately put triage doctors in emergency rooms, there is no clarity on how many doctors will be hired or how far this announcement will go to ensuring there are enough physicians in Alberta to reduce wait times and increase accessibility to a doctor.

“Albertans deserve a government that rolls up its sleeves and does the work needed to recruit and retain doctors.”

You can watch the full announcement below: