Medicine Hat among province-wide rallies calling for action on Alberta’s private health-care law

Aug 31, 2026 | 1:15 PM

Residents in Medicine Hat are joining health-care advocates across Canada on Tuesday in calling on the federal government to intervene over Alberta legislation they say could create a two-tier health-care system.

Friends of Medicare is organizing a national day of action Sept. 1, with an information picket planned outside the Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner constituency office at 2810 13th Ave. S.E. at noon.

The group is among health coalitions and allies holding rallies and other actions in 27 communities across Canada as Alberta’s Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), takes effect.

The legislation, formerly known as Bill 11, allows physicians to work in both the public and private health-care systems at the same time, including charging patients out of pocket for medically necessary services.

Friends of Medicare is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to enforce the Canada Health Act and protect what it describes as Canada’s universal, single-payer public health-care system.

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The organization argues access to health care should be based on medical need rather than the ability to pay.

The legislation passed in December 2025, and Friends of Medicare said Alberta is now the only province to allow the dual-practice model.

A legal opinion prepared for the Canadian Health Coalition by Goldblatt Partners LLP concludes the legislation violates principles of comprehensiveness, accessibility and universality under the Canada Health Act, as well as federal prohibitions on extra-billing and user fees.

Other Alberta communities taking part in Tuesday’s action include Calgary, Edmonton, Leduc, Lethbridge, Red Deer and St. Albert.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat among province-wide rallies calling for action on Alberta’s private health-care law

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