Alberta’s Dual-Practice Surgeons Spark National Debate | Calgary News

Alberta’s Health Minister Adriana LaGrange is rolling out a bold new plan letting some surgeons operate in both public and private systems — a first for any Canadian province — to boost surgical capacity, keep care local, and reduce wait times. Surgeons must meet public surgery hour requirements before accessing private elective procedures like hip replacements or cataract removals, with emergency and cancer care staying strictly public. The Alberta Medical Association is watching closely to ensure this doesn’t worsen wait times or create a pay-to-play system. While LaGrange insists the model upholds Canada Health Act principles by prioritizing public access, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel warns it may violate the Act’s spirit, threatening penalties if Alberta can’t prove fairness. The clash centers on whether “choice” for elective care equals “ability to pay,” as Alberta races to show this dual-practice model won’t fracture the public system. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/856e40ad5df38422