Dual-practice surgery model takes effect in Alberta with 400 physicians signed up

Alberta's dual-practice health model launched Tuesday, allowing specialized physicians to provide private services alongside their public work — a shift that drew province-wide protests and federal scrutiny.

Premier Danielle Smith said 400 physicians have already expressed interest in the model. She told reporters Tuesday the province is working with the federal government to demonstrate the new approach does not contravene the Canada Health Act. "It's not illegal to opt out of the health system and treat private patients, we've seen that in Quebec," Smith said. "It's an active discussion, as always, with the federal government on the terms under which they will fund our health care, but we've asked them to give us some latitude to implement this model."

The Health Statutes Amendment Act 2025, formerly Bill 11, allows specialized physicians — but not family doctors — to split their practice. First surgeries are expected this fall. Select procedures approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta will be available under the model: orthopedics, minimally invasive general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, and ear/nose/throat surgeries. Cancer-related and life-threatening conditions remain publicly funded regardless of specialty.

Smith said there will be "rigorous oversight and reporting" on the model. "I'll be making sure that there's no hospital that does fewer surgeries next year than they did last year, and that's the way that we hold it to account," she said. "Any doctor who wants to participate in dual practice has to continue providing us the same service that they currently do, they can't reduce it." No maximum exists on hours a physician can work in the private sector, though limits are subject to professional practice requirements set by the College.

On Tuesday, Albertans rallied across the province opposing the model. Health coalitions organized protests urging the federal government and Alberta MPs to enforce the Canada Health Act. Alberta NDP hospital and surgical services critic Sarah Hoffman said the concerns are justified. "Those who can pay move to the front of the line, while everyone else waits even longer," Hoffman said. "Albertans want shorter wait times, better access to doctors, and a stronger public health care system. Instead, the UCP is putting private profits for their friends ahead of tax paying Albertans."