The Alberta government has tabled Bill 55, the Health Statutes Amendment Act to complete its overhaul of the province’s health care system, aiming to enhance public health delivery and oversight.
The legislation, announced Thursday, builds on reforms initiated in November 2023 to ensure Albertans receive timely and accessible care. Bill 55 proposes amendments to the Provincial Health Agencies Act, Hospitals Act, Protection of Persons in Care Act, Health Information Act, and Public Health Act.
Key changes include transferring front-line public health functions, such as immunizations and communicable disease control, from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to Primary Care Alberta later this year.
Policy development and inspections will shift to Alberta Health, with medical officers moving to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“A year and a half in, we are in the final stages of refocusing Alberta’s health care system,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “These changes will improve health care for all Albertans.”
The government assures no disruption to public health services during the transition, with no front-line job losses and respect for collective bargaining.
Kim Simmonds, CEO of Primary Care Alberta, emphasized the agency’s commitment to unified care, stating, “Promoting and protecting health is foundational to bringing the right care to patients where they are.”
Other amendments aim to streamline governance of health foundations, clarify public health’s role, and repeal outdated sections of the Hospitals Act, aligning hospital governance with the refocused system.
The Protection of Persons in Care Act will gain capacity to investigate abuse allegations in care facilities, while the Health Information Act will empower the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services to manage continuing care data.
If passed, Bill 55 will finalize Alberta’s health system restructuring, following earlier legislative updates in 2024. The government says these changes will create a more consistent and strategic health care framework.
