Tight budget, health-care changes expected to dominate Alberta legislature sitting
CTV
Alberta politicians are set to return to the legislature this week for a spring sitting that is expected to see the first steps on sweeping structural reforms to a health-care system grappling to find and keep family doctors.
Alberta politicians are set to return to the legislature this week for a spring sitting that is expected to see the first steps on sweeping structural reforms to a health-care system grappling to find and keep family doctors.
The sitting begins Wednesday and is to be followed Thursday by the release of the 2024 provincial budget, which Premier Danielle Smith has signalled will not keep pace with Alberta's growth.
Dr. Paul Parks, who speaks for physicians as head of the Alberta Medical Association, says they need solutions immediately.
"Time truly is critical and of the essence (for family medicine) right now," said Parks in an interview.
"We're waiting with bated breath to see what happens."
Parks has said Alberta’s billing system has not kept up with office and administration costs for family physicians, a problem made worse by inflation, forcing more and more to decide whether to stay in general practice or switch to a specialty.
The United Conservative Party government committed late last year to spending $200 million to help family doctors keep the lights on while a new funding agreement with physicians is hammered out.
