Lethbridge protesters rally as Alberta’s Bill 11 takes effect
Bill 11 allows physicians to work in both the public and private systems, including providing paid services while continuing to work in the public system.
On Tuesday, health care advocates in Lethbridge, Alberta gathered to rally against the implementation of Bill 11, which took effect on the same day. The legislation allows physicians to work in both the public and private health systems, raising concerns among protesters that it will create a two-tier system. Bev Muendel-Atherstone, chair of Lethbridge Friends of Medicare, urged the federal government to determine if the changes violate the Canada Health Act.
She expressed worry that private practices might divert doctors from the public sector, leading to increased out-of-pocket costs for surgeries and longer wait times. Maddison McKee, a press secretary for the Alberta Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, stated that Bill 11 aligns with other high-performing health systems like Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia, which combine strong public funding with flexible delivery models.
However, Muendel-Atherstone remains skeptical, warning that longer wait times and reduced staffing in the public system are inevitable. The Alberta government maintains that dual practice does not contravene the Canada Health Act and insists that accessing private care in Alberta should not necessitate traveling out of province.
Protesters argue that this issue is about ensuring equitable access to timely care for those unable to afford private healthcare, warning that these changes may eventually impact everyone. The rally was part of a nationwide National Day of Action organized by Friends of Medicare and healthcare advocacy groups across Canada.
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