Thousands rally nationwide to urge federal action on Alberta’s two-tier health care law
On March 16, 2026, health coalitions across the country united for a national Day of Action for Public Health Care. From Vancouver to Charlottetown, public health care advocates took part in rallies, news conferences, and digital actions in response to Alberta’s new two-tier health care law, calling on the federal government to enforce the Canada Health Act and stop the expansion of private, for-profit services that threaten universal access.
Here’s what happened across the country:
British Columbia
“There is no doubt that Bill 11 violates the Canada Health Act.”
— Dr. Hedy Fry, Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, to protesters outside her office on March 16, 2026.
BC Health Coalition organized a rally outside the Vancouver office of Liberal MP Hedy Fry, Chair of the Standing Committee on Health. Dr. Fry attended the event and spoke directly to the demonstrators, saying, “There is no doubt that Bill 11 contravenes the Canada Health Act.”
Alberta
Friends of Medicare organized rallies in both Edmonton and Calgary. These demonstrations took place outside the offices of Alberta Liberal Party MPs Eleanor Olszewski and Corey Hogan. Hundreds of Albertans attended both events to oppose their provincial government’s shift toward two-tier health care.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Health Coalition organized a letter-writing and phone-calling campaign to MP Buckley Belanger, Saskatchewan’s only Liberal MP. Supporters contacted the MP’s office to urge federal action against Alberta’s Bill 11.
Manitoba
Manitoba Health Coalition organized a rally in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Legislature featuring a diverse lineup of speakers. Representatives from nursing, labour, and disability advocacy groups joined Indigenous leaders to address the impacts of privatization on vulnerable communities.
Ontario
Ontario Health Coalition organized seven rallies across the province, with hundreds of Ontarians participating. Demonstrations were held outside Liberal MP offices in in London, Waterloo, Hamilton, Toronto, Ajax, and Peterborough. In Ottawa, supporters gathered outside the constituency office of Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Québec
La Coalition solidarité santé organized a rally in Montreal’s Papineau riding of Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel with supporters gathering on the lawn of the Minister’s constituency office. During the demonstration, participants yelled, “Where are you, Marjorie?” to call for the Minister’s direct engagement in stopping Alberta’s two-tier health care law.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Health Coalition hosted a press conference at the NSGEU head office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia featuring NSHC Provincial Coordinator Jennifer Benoit, Chairperson of the Canadian Health Coalition Jason MacLean, and President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Melissa Marsman.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Health Coalition marked the Day of Action by issuing a media release and meeting with Members of Parliament and Senators. Co-chairs Jean-Claude Basque and Renée Boudreau urged federal representatives to conduct a formal compliance review of Alberta’s legislation to protect the Canada Health Act from the threats of dual practice and queue-jumping.
Prince Edward Island
P.E.I. Health Coalition held a news conference in Charlottetown where advocates held up their health cards while calling for federal intervention. “We’ve never had anything like this in Canada before, and it has to be stopped,” said Coalition Chair Mary Boyd.
Online campaign
For those who couldn’t attend the rallies, the Canadian Health Coalition launched a digital initiative so supporters could take action online.
Throughout the National Day of Action for Public Health Care, thousands used the campaign website to send coordinated emails to MPs and Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, urging the federal government to protect public health care and reject two-tier health care models.
March 16 sent a clear message to Ottawa: Canadians will not accept a two-tier health care system.
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Haylee Keyes is the National Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Canadian Health Coalition
