Alberta
Alberta’s health funding reform offers hope for the rest of Canada
This article supplied by Troy Media.
By Michel Gagnon and Krystle Wittevrongel
Alberta’s shift to activity-based hospital funding could be the blueprint other provinces need to fix Canada’s ailing health-care system
Canada’s health-care system is broken, and most Canadians have given up hope it will improve. Delayed surgeries, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait times have become the norm. But in Alberta, there is finally a reason to believe change is possible.
The Smith government has announced plans to overhaul hospital funding by introducing activity-based funding, a model where hospitals are paid based on the number and type of treatments they provide, rather than receiving a fixed annual lump sum.
Currently, Alberta uses global budgets: hospitals receive a set amount each year, usually based on the previous year’s volume, regardless of how many patients they end up treating. This rigid funding model limits hospitals’ ability to respond to growing demand and discourages efficiency. It’s a little like only stocking two lifejackets on a boat because two people fell in the water last time around. Under this system, patients become a financial burden, creating an incentive to ration care.
The Montreal Economic Institute has advocated for change since 2012. About a year ago, we urged Alberta to abandon global budgeting in favour of a model that lets money follow the patient. Activity-based funding does just that, rewarding hospitals for providing timely, efficient care rather than merely staying afloat within a fixed budget.
Other countries with universal health care have already embraced this approach. Canada remains a notable outlier among OECD nations. Australia adopted activity-based funding 30 years ago. Within a year, care volumes rose and wait times dropped by 16 per cent. Today, this model accounts for 87 per cent of hospital funding in Australia. In 2022, the median wait time for hip replacement surgery was 232 days in Alberta, compared to 175 days in Australia. Importantly, countries such as Australia and Sweden maintained universal access to care while adopting this system.
Closer to home, Quebec’s gradual shift to activity-based funding has also yielded encouraging results. After the province applied the change to MRIs, costs fell by four per cent and procedures increased by 22 per cent. In radiology and oncology, costs dropped by seven per cent while productivity rose by 26 per cent. Quebec now aims for full adoption by 2027-28, showing that meaningful change is possible within our public system.
These examples show that a better way is possible. Yet most provinces remain stuck in outdated funding models that reward bureaucracy over patient care. If Alberta and Quebec can move forward, so can others. The case for action is national, not just provincial.
Of course, no funding model is without its flaws. That’s why Alberta is taking a phased approach, beginning with a pilot program and consultations to make sure the system fits the province’s needs before the full rollout in 2026. The good news is Alberta doesn’t have to start from scratch. Countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and Australia have already faced—and overcome—common challenges such as gaming the coding system (inflating or misclassifying treatments to receive higher payments) or favouring quantity over quality. With the right safeguards in place, hospitals can stay focused on delivering care, not just managing budgets.
Alberta’s move to activity-based funding gives patients something rare in Canadian health care: a real reason to hope for better. But this opportunity shouldn’t be limited to one province. With its thoughtful approach and clear commitment to reform, Alberta is offering the rest of Canada a blueprint for fixing what’s broken. Other provinces should take notice—and follow its lead.
Michel Kelly-Gagnon is founding president, and Krystle Wittevrongel is director of research at the Montreal Economic Institute, a think-tank with offices in Montreal Ottawa and Calgary.
Troy Media empowers Canadian community news outlets by providing independent, insightful analysis and commentary. Our mission is to support local media in helping Canadians stay informed and engaged by delivering reliable content that strengthens community connections and deepens understanding across the country
Alberta
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
Alberta’s government has introduced new standards to ensure school library materials are age-appropriate.
School libraries should be safe and supportive places where students can learn and explore without being exposed to inappropriate sexual content. However, in the absence of a consistent standard for selecting age-appropriate library materials, school boards have taken different approaches, leading to concerns about safeguards in place.
In response to these concerns, and informed by feedback from education partners and the public, Alberta’s government has created standards to provide school boards with clear direction on the selection, availability and access to school library materials, such as books.
“Our actions to ensure that materials in school libraries don’t expose children to sexual content were never about banning books. These new standards are to ensure that school boards have clear guidance to ensure age-appropriate access to school library materials, while reflecting the values and priorities of Albertans.”
The new standards set clear expectations for school library materials with regard to sexual content and require school boards to implement policies to support these standards.
Standards for school library materials
Under the new standards, school libraries are not permitted to include library materials containing explicit sexual content. Non-explicit sexual content may be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided it is age-appropriate.
“Protecting kids from explicit content is common sense. LGBTQ youth, like all children, deserve to see themselves in stories that are age-appropriate, supportive and affirming – not in material that sexualizes or confuses them.”
School boards must also regularly review their school library collections, publish a full list of available materials and ensure that a staff member supervises students’ access to school library materials. School boards will have to remove any materials with explicit sexual content from their school libraries by October 1.
School board policies and procedures
All school boards must have publicly available policies that align with the new standards for selecting and managing library materials by January 1, 2026. School boards can either create new policies or update existing ones to meet these requirements.
These policies must outline how school library materials are selected and reviewed, how staff supervise students’ access throughout the school day, and how a student, parent, school board employee or other member of the school community can request a review or removal of materials in the school library. School boards are also required to clearly communicate these policies to employees, students and parents before January 2026.
“A robust, grade- and age-appropriate library catalogue is vital for student success. We welcome the ministry’s initiative to establish consistent standards and appreciate the ongoing consultation to help craft a plan that will serve our families and communities well.”
“Red Deer Public Schools welcomes the new provincial standards for school library materials. Our division is committed to maintaining welcoming, respectful learning spaces where students can grow and thrive. Under the new standards for school libraries, we remain dedicated to providing learning resources that reflect our values and support student success.”
Quick facts
- The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
- The ministerial order does not apply to municipal libraries located within schools or materials selected for use by teachers as learning and teaching resources.
- From May 26 to June 6, almost 80,000 people completed an online survey to provide feedback on the creation of consistent standards to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.
Related information
- Ministerial Order
- School library standards engagement
- Reference Materials: Content warning: this document contains graphic content that may be disturbing to viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Regional health councils give Albertans a voice
Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system.
The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.
“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”
“Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”
“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”
“Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”
Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.
Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.
Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.
“As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”
“The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”
“Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”
“Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”
Indigenous Advisory Council
Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.
Related information
Dallas mayor invites NYers to first ‘sanctuary city from socialism’
Canada’s Carbon Tax Is A Disaster For Our Economy And Oil Industry
The Left Thinks Drug Criminalization Is Racist. Minorities Disagree
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee profiles – Alpine Skiing Athlete – Brady Leman
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Resets The Energy Policy Playing Field
Texas flood kills 43 including children at Christian camp
The Digital Services Tax Q&A: “It was going to be complicated and messy”
-
Business2 days agoCarney government should recognize that private sector drives Canada’s economy
-
Alberta2 days ago
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
-
Environment1 day agoEPA releases report on chemtrails, climate manipulation
-
Bruce Dowbiggin2 days agoThe Covid 19 Disaster: When Do We Get The Apologies?
-
Alberta2 days ago
Fourteen regional advisory councils will shape health care planning and delivery in Alberta
-
Business2 days agoCannabis Legalization Is Starting to Look Like a Really Dumb Idea
-
Media2 days agoCBC journalist quits, accuses outlet of anti-Conservative bias and censorship
-
Crime1 day agoSweeping Boston Indictment Points to Vast Chinese Narco-Smuggling and Illegal Alien Labor Plot via Mexican Border