Alberta's Bill 11 now allows physicians to work in public hospitals while simultaneously offering private care — a first-of-its-kind model in Canada. Supporters say it will boost elective surgery capacity and cut wait times, but critics warn it could pull staff and resources away from the public system, deepening inequities. Over 20 health organizations are urging the federal government to review whether the law violates the Canada Health Act.
Alberta has launched a dual-practice model under Bill 11, letting eligible physicians work in public hospitals while also offering private surgical care. The provincial government argues this will expand elective surgery capacity and reduce wait times — a persistent problem in Canada's publicly funded system. Safeguards include minimum public-hours requirements for participating doctors, a commitment to keep emergency care fully public, and ongoing provincial monitoring.
But critics aren't convinced. The Canadian Medical Association and other health advocates warn that a fixed pool of doctors, nurses, and OR staff means private practice could simply drain resources from the public system rather than add new capacity. International evidence is sobering: dual practice in Australia yielded only "limited" wait-time reductions, while in the UK it actually lengthened waits for lower-income patients.
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Why it matters: Alberta's experiment is being watched closely by provinces across Canada and the federal government. If the model worsens public wait times or favors wealthier patients, it could reshape the national debate over private healthcare — and test the limits of the Canada Health Act.
