Alberta launches dual-practice surgery plan as Ottawa questions its compatibility with the Canada Health Act

Alberta’s minister of hospital and surgical health services has introduced a dual-practice model that lets surgeons split their time between the public system and a private-pay lane for elective procedures such as hip replacements and cataract surgery. The law, passed last December, defines a new "flexibly participating" physician class that must meet a minimum quota of publicly funded hours before taking private cases in accredited non-hospital facilities.

The province argues the approach will keep surgical capacity in-province and shorten public wait lists, while the federal health minister warned that it may conflict with the Canada Health Act and hinted at possible discretionary penalties. Ottawa has said it will monitor the program and has raised concerns about preserving the spirit of the Act, whereas Alberta has submitted draft regulations and safeguards for review. The issue is further politicised by an upcoming provincial referendum on allowing Alberta to opt out of federal health programs and retain a larger share of federal transfers.