Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a deal in principle with the federal government in Ottawa is a productive first step to improving healthcare in the province.."Improving healthcare in Alberta is one of our government's top priorities and this agreement in principle will support our efforts to deliver on our commitment to Albertans," Smith said.."We are leading the country in healthcare reform and are focused on ensuring Albertans can access world-class care when and where they need it. This is a productive first step and I look forward to continued discussions with the Government of Canada on how we can achieve longer-term sustainable funding.".On February 7, the Liberals announced an investment of $198.6 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve healthcare services for Canadians..This funding includes an immediate, unconditional $2 billion Canada Health Transfer (CHT) top-up to address immediate pressures on the healthcare system..On Monday, Alberta announced it is taking the next step by announcing an agreement in principle for a shared plan that will invest $24.18 billion in federal funding over 10 years in the province, including $2.92 billion for a new bilateral agreement focusing on the shared healthcare priorities and $233 million through the immediate, one-time CHT top-up to address urgent needs, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, and long wait times for surgeries..This will further help provide Albertans with improvements in healthcare that includes:.-Access to high-quality family health services when they need them, including in rural and remote areas, and for underserved communities..-A resilient and supported health workforce that provides them with high-quality, effective, and safe healthcare services..-Access to timely, equitable, and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services..-Access to their electronic health information that is shared between the health professionals they consult..By reaching an agreement in principle, Canada and Alberta are committing to the plan laid out on February 7, which includes shared commitments to collect, use and share depersonalized health information and to inform Canadians of their progress with key common headline indicators..Work will now begin on a bilateral agreement based on an initial 3-year action plan that will detail targets, timelines and additional common indicators related to shared health priorities in each jurisdiction..As part of this collaborative health plan, Canada will work with Alberta to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals and advance labour mobility for key health professionals..Furthermore, the province has committed to an integrated, inclusive approach to investments in health service teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools that will help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.."Like all other provinces across the country, Alberta has been faced with significant healthcare challenges. We have already made significant steps in addressing these challenges by increasing system capacity, recruiting and hiring more healthcare workers and implementing changes to improve the system," Alberta Minister of Health Jason Copping said.."I look forward to working with the federal government to develop the details for implementation in the areas of shared interest so we can achieve better health outcomes for all Albertans."
