Health Coalition responds to Health Minister’s caution to Alberta regarding Bill 11

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel had an “open conversation” with Alberta counterpart Adriana LaGrange about the controversial Bill 11, according to a media report on April 28.

The chair of the Canadian Health Coalition is encouraged by the Health Minister focusing attention on Alberta’s moves toward unprecedented privatization creating an unfair, two-tier health care system. 

“Health Minister Marjorie Michel needs to clarify that it is the federal government’s position that Alberta’s Bill 11 is a clear violation of the Canada Health Act,” said Jason MacLean, chairperson of advocacy organization. “This will instill confidence that she is prepared to enforce the Act.”

Bill 11, officially known as the Health Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (No.2), was passed in December and allows physicians to practice in both the public and private systems, charging patients whatever physicians wish for medically necessary procedures. Bill 11 also encourages a dangerous expansion of private insurance to cover privately delivered services. 

The Canadian Health Coalition, along with the Alberta-based Friends of Medicare and many others, have been urging Members of Parliament to enforce the Canada Health Act. Thousands of letters have been sent by supporters to their MPs.

In February, the coalition’s supporters met with Parliamentarians and found that 66 per cent of Liberal MPs supported enforcing the Canada Health Act, including pausing health care transfers to provinces that allow financial barriers to care.