Alberta’s two-tier health care law threatens us all
Alberta has passed dangerous legislation that threatens public health care across Canada, and we need Canadians to take action now.
What’s happening:
Bill 11: The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 202 (No. 2), allows doctors to charge unlimited fees at for-profit clinics for medically necessary procedures while also working in the public system. This is American-style health care that opens our system to private insurance corporations.
Alberta is creating two-tiered health care: people with money can pay to jump the queue while everyone else waits longer as doctors are pulled into private practice.
Why this matters to all Canadians:
Canada’s entire public health care system – built on the principle of medically necessary care based on need, not ability to pay – is at risk. If Alberta’s law stands, other provinces may follow, undermining our health care system nationwide.
As Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare, said: “It is no exaggeration to say that the passing of Bill 11 through the Alberta legislature is the biggest threat to our single-payer, universal Medicare system that we’ve ever seen. Not just for Albertans, but for all Canadians.”
The Canada Health Act exists to prevent exactly this kind of two-tier system. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel has the authority to review provincial legislation and take action when provinces violate the Act.
Take action now:
Alberta’s law sets a dangerous precedent that will spread without federal action. That’s why we’re launching a national campaign to flood Health Minister Marjorie Michel’s office and MP offices across the country with one clear message: enforce the Canada Health Act and stop two-tier health care.
It takes just one minute to send your letter. Enter your name, address, and hit send. Your letter will automatically go to Minister Michel and your MP.
Minister Michel has the authority to enforce the Canada Health Act. She needs to know Canadians are watching and expect action. Send your letter today.
