Alberta doctors, government sign new funding agreement
Editor's note: CTV News Edmonton previously reported family doctors would see an average eight-per cent increase over current rates over the next three fiscal years, according to the province. This includes all investments and incentives outlined in the contract. More details below.
After several years of negotiations, Alberta doctors and the province have reached an agreement.
On Wednesday, about 45 per cent of doctors with the Alberta Medical Association participated in a vote on the new contract, with 70 per cent voting in favour.
Health Minister Jason Copping said on Thursday he was pleased with the new agreement and it will help stabilize the health-care system.
Physicians will see an average four-per cent pay rate increase from current rates over the three-year contract term.
Some specialties will receive higher increases according to the contract.
Family doctors are expected to see an average compounded increase of 5.25 per cent over the first three fiscal years.
Including other investments and incentives, that rate is expected to be closer to eight per cent.
Alberta Health confirmed this in a statement to CTV News.
"Physicians in family medicine and generalists in mental health will receive an effective total increase over the term equating to 8.18% if the value of all investments are factored in," a spokesperson for the department explained.
In a tweet, the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association pointed out, "fee-for-service is not a direct salary."
"Every practice is unique, so an overall rate increase means different direct pay, for each physician," EZMSA added. "The agreement does also include other programs and incentives which were in the government announcement."
'GOOD FOR PHYSICIANS': AMA PRESIDENT
"We have achieved an agreement that is good for physicians, it's good for patients, and it's good for the health-care system that supports them because that support is not only a good thing, but it's a necessary thing," Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren, president of the AMA, said on Thursday, speaking alongside Copping at a news conference in Red Deer.
"It provides increases in line with other settlements, valuable programs, business cost support, fair processes for working together on compensation or other matters and ways to resolve disputes."
The union represents Alberta's 11,000 doctors.
The agreement covers four fiscal years: April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2026.
In addition to the pay increase from current rates, $252 million will be invested over four years in several targeted areas:
- $15 million annually for physician recruitment and retention;
- $12 million annually for the Rural Remote Northern Program;
- $12 million annually for physician support programs;
- a $2 million one-time investment for the Rural Education Supplement and Integrated Doctor Experience (RESIDE) Program;
- $20 million annually for the Business Costs Program; and
- a $14 million one-time investment for change management and information technology.
The province has also agreed to repeal Bill 21 — legislation which allows it to unilaterally rip up its contract with doctors — and in return, the AMA will drop a lawsuit against the Alberta government.
Alberta Health is also increasing funding for primary care networks by $20 million in both this fiscal year and next.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.