Lethbridge among nation-wide protests against two-tier healthcare system

The Alberta legislation that permits doctors to work in both the private and public health care systems came into effect Tuesday.

Bill 11, or the Health Statutes Amendment Act, has been met with great pushback by health advocates and many Albertans who are concerned the new system will delay or prevent public patients from accessing healthcare unless they pay out of pocket.

A National Day of Action was held by the group Friends of Medicare in 27 municipalities across Canada, including Lethbridge. They worry the Alberta legislation will cause other provinces to follow suit, and they’re appealing to the federal government to stop it.

While legislation takes effect today, Hospital and Surgical Services Minister Adriana LaGrange’s office said Monday, the government still must do a formal application process before any privately paid-for surgeries take place. The province did also confirm that 400 specialist physicians have expressed interest in participating in the new dual practice system.