By Canadian Press

DOCTORS DISPUTE

Story of Alberta doctors quitting is bargaining tactic: health minister

Jul 17, 2020 | 7:08 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro says it’s not true that doctors are quitting or withdrawing services in large numbers because of changes to fees and billing.

Shandro says in a statement that the reports are nothing more than a bargaining tactic in the pay dispute between the government and physicians.

Shandro has sent a letter to the College of Physicians and Surgeons asking for stricter rules to prevent doctors quitting in large groups in smaller and rural communities and leaving potential gaps in care.

He says he is not asking for the changes because doctors are quitting, but to head off threats of departure being used in bargaining.

The United Conservative government and doctors have been at loggerheads ever since Shandro cancelled a master agreement with the Alberta Medical Association in February and instituted changes to billing fees and rules.

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As a result, many doctors, particularly in rural areas and smaller communities, have said they can no longer afford to work in hospitals as well as keep up their practices.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2020.

(The Canadian Press)