Lethbridge protesters rally as Alberta’s Bill 11 takes effect

Health care advocates in Lethbridge, Alta., gathered Tuesday as Alberta’s Bill 11 took effect, calling on the federal government to take action over concerns the legislation will create a two-tier health-care system.

Bill 11 allows physicians to work in both the public and private systems, including providing paid services while continuing to work in the public system.

Lethbridge Friends of Medicare Chair Bev Muendel-Atherstone says protesters want the Canadian government to determine whether the changes comply with the Canada Health Act.

“That’s why we’re asking the federal government to get on the ball and say that this is a violation of the Canada Health Act,” said Muendel-Atherstone.

She says amongst their concerns is that private practices will pull doctors away from Alberta’s public sector.

“We already have 400 surgeons out of the 550 surgeons in Alberta who said they’re going to sign on. That means you’ll be paying out of your pocket for your surgery. They’re taking surgeons out of the public health care system and putting them into private.”

Maddison McKee, press secretary for the Alberta Ministry of Hospital and Surgical Health Services said in a statement to Global News that Bill 11 is not a movement towards U.S.-style health care, but an alignment with other top health care models.

“The reality is that dual practice brings Alberta more in line with other top-performing health systems, including Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, and Australia. These countries all combine strong public funding with modern, flexible delivery models,” said McKee in the statement.

But Muendel-Atherstone says she believes the changes will make it harder for those relying on the public system for timely care.

“It’s not true. The lineups will be longer. We won’t have the same people working in the public system.”

She calls the changes a serious threat to publicly funded health care.

“It’s a travesty for our public healthcare system,” said Muendel-Atherstone.

In a statement from Alexandre Bergeron, press secretary to federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, it’s stated that the focus never waivers from protecting access to medical care.

“Minister Michel is advancing targeted discussions with her counterpart focused on ensuring access to medically necessary care and the core principles of the public system are protected. We have taken a collaborative approach with all provinces and territories, including Alberta, that respects their jurisdiction to explore innovative ways to improve access and care while strengthening the public, universal health care system.”