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Alberta physicians reach two-year, no-fee increase deal with province

May 30, 2018 | 2:08 PM

EDMONTON – The Alberta government has reached a new agreement with physicians that calls for no fee increases for two years.

The deal that runs until March 31, 2020, covers about 10,000 doctors who are members of the Alberta Medical Association.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman says the agreement will save the government about $95 million.

“This framework both enhances patient care and helps the province achieve our budget targets. We recognize the province’s physicians for their commitment to providing high-quality patient care and for looking at all the tools available to make the province’s health-care system more sustainable,” Hoffman said in a release.

Hoffman notes the province has similar no-increase deals with unions that represent nurses and other health professionals.

Dr. Neil Cooper, president of the association, says 89 per cent of physicians who voted are in favour of the agreement.

“The agreement addresses budgetary concerns of the province while recognizing the contributions and stewardship of physicians so far,” he noted. “It provides stability for important programs and initiatives and enhances the ability of members to access representation by the AMA. It also paves the way for new initiatives that drive toward a high-performing health system.”

The province and the AMA reached the tentative deal after months of negotiations that focused on government concerns about health spending and its budget.

(The Canadian Press)