(Government of Alberta)

By The Canadian Press

"A few processes to go through"

LaGrange says more work to do on doctor pay deal

Sep 25, 2024 | 1:41 PM

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says there’s more work to be done before a new compensation contract for Alberta’s doctors is finalized.

LaGrange says she has to make sure the new deal, which was agreed to in part this past April, is sustainable.

She says doctor compensation under the existing contract over the past few years has risen quicker than inflation and population growth and is currently over budget this year.

The group representing Alberta’s doctors have said the government is dragging its feet in implementing the new deal and putting patients’ lives at risk in the process.

LaGrange says while Alberta Medical Association officials are correct in saying the provincial Treasury Board still needs to approve the new contract, she’s still reviewing a pay rate assessment.

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She says the government is still on track to implement the new deal this fall.

“It’s beyond time for the premier and health minister to act to stabilize primary care in Alberta, which means getting the new Primary Care Compensation Model in place,” said Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare, on Tuesday. “Too many families have already had to go for years without access to a family doctor, and this government’s failure to keep their promise to Alberta physicians is making our situation even worse. Any further delay will mean more and more family doctors close their practices and leave our province.”

(The Canadian Press)

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