(Dreamstime)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

New grants aim to grow primary care in Alberta

May 23, 2025 | 4:53 PM

New provincial grants totalling about $25 million are expected to support innovative, community-led projects to improve access to primary health care across Alberta.

Alberta’s government has announced it is investing in made-in-Alberta solutions to strengthen the province’s primary health care system, including Indigenous primary health care. According to the government, these new grants will support projects that improve access, reduce administrative burdens and support team-based care so all people in Alberta can get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Provincial officials say the grants are being awarded through two innovation-focused programs: the Primary Care Innovation Fund and the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund. These funds are anticipated to support 19 projects that will improve primary care, advance research and innovation and support community health priorities.

“A strong, reliable primary health care system is the foundation of the entire health system,” explains Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “These strategic investments are helping to make that a reality for families across Alberta. They are especially meaningful for Indigenous communities, as they support culturally safe care that respects traditional knowledge and addresses unique community needs.”

“Ensuring Indigenous communities have access to quality primary health care that aligns with their unique needs is a priority for Alberta’s government,” adds Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “The Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund empowers communities to lead the way in developing solutions that enhance care, support cultural traditions and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across the province.”

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The government says the $5-million Primary Care Innovation Fund is supporting five projects that will help improve access to care, support early detection of dementia and other conditions, provide post-reproductive care for women, advance research and clinical trials, and harness the potential of artificial intelligence to improve health care services.

Officials say the $20-million Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund is supporting 14 community-led initiatives, including virtual care clinics, cultural reconnection, facility upgrades and Elder care. The funding is flexible so Indigenous communities can address their specific priorities and support culturally appropriate care.

“We are thrilled to announce the approval for the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund,” exclaims Kathy Lepine, chair, Elizabeth Metis Settlement. “We are eager to be providing a welcoming and supportive environment for our Elders. This facility represents a significant investment in our community and is a testament to the growing need of quality care for our Elders.”

The government says both of the grant programs stem from a recommendation in the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Care System (MAPS) final report. Officials say MAPS was created to strengthen Alberta’s primary health care system and ensure all people in Alberta have access to timely, appropriate care throughout their lives.

“University Hospital Foundation is grateful for the Primary Care Innovation Fund that enabled us to match the vision of our donors with talented University of Alberta researchers and health providers,” shares Dr. Jodi Abbott, president and CEO, University Hospital Foundation. “Using a co-design approach, the dementia program will enhance early diagnosis, facilitate more efficient research and improve post-diagnosis care pathways for people living with dementia and their caregivers.”

“We’re excited to work with Alberta’s primary care teams and innovation partners to build a program grounded in real-world needs – helping them develop the skills and confidence to turn ideas into action and shape the future of care,” says Theresa Tang, co-founder and CEO, Praxus Health.

Indigenous Support Line

To further support access to primary care for Indigenous patients and families, officials say the Indigenous Support Line will be expanded to Edmonton and Calgary on June 1. The government says the phone line has supported more than 10,000 callers over the past three years with health system navigation, access to cultural supports, language services and more.

Operated by Health Link in partnership with the Indigenous Wellness Core, the province says the line connects callers with health professionals who understand Indigenous ways of knowing and traditional healing practices.

The government says the support line can also be utilized by front-line health care providers to assist in providing culturally appropriate care. Providers can use the support line to learn about cultural support services, Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional healing practices, access to ceremony and other services that may assist their patients.

“Health Link and Indigenous Wellness Core teams have provided exceptional care to Indigenous Peoples in the north, south and central zones for the past three years through the Indigenous Support Line,” states Kim Simmonds, CEO, Primary Care Alberta. “The impact of this service is evident in the response from those who have accessed the line, and through it, Indigenous listeners who aid their health care journey. I am thrilled that the line will now be available to Indigenous Peoples and communities across the province.”

Alberta government quick facts

• Primary Care Innovation Fund grant recipients are:
  • Praxus Health – to develop and deliver a comprehensive primary care innovation training program for health professionals.
  • Arthritis Society of Canada – to implement a cost-effective, AI-enhanced portable infant ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip.
  • Dr. Kerry McBrien, University of Calgary – to develop a community health navigator program to enhance team-based care, integrate social and community resources and improve access to care.
  • University Hospital Foundation – to develop and implement an early diagnosis and care pathway for Albertans living with dementia.
  • Dr. Colleen Norris, University of Alberta – to establish the Alberta Women’s Post-Reproductive Health Centre to provide comprehensive primary care for midlife women.
• Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund grant recipients include:
  • Samson Cree Nation – to establish the Nipisihkopahk Medical Clinic to provide the community with long-term access to equitable and comprehensive health care services.
  • Elizabeth Metis Settlement – to support the Métis Lifeways Elders Care Initiative, including a comprehensive Elder care facility.
  • Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council Ltd. (G4) – to evaluate the current state of non-insured health benefits coverage and financial implications.
  • Dene Tha’ First Nation – to renovate an existing building and upgrade to a satellite primary health care centre.