A University of Calgary professor is raising serious concerns about Alberta's proposed dual healthcare system, warning that it could create what she describes as 'negative competition' that might ultimately harm patient care and system efficiency.
Understanding the Dual System Proposal
The concept of a dual healthcare system in Alberta has been gaining traction in political discussions, but according to Professor Lorian Hardcastle, the potential consequences deserve closer examination. The proposed model would allow for parallel private and public healthcare systems operating simultaneously within the province.
Professor Hardcastle appeared on Alberta Primetime on November 26, 2025 to discuss her concerns about how such a system might function in practice. Her analysis suggests that rather than improving healthcare delivery, the competition between systems could lead to unintended negative outcomes.
Potential Risks to Patient Care
The core of Hardcastle's argument centers on how competition might manifest in healthcare. Unlike in traditional markets where competition typically drives innovation and lower prices, in healthcare it could create what economists call 'market failures.'
Negative competition could emerge in several forms, including potential 'cream-skimming' where private facilities might preferentially treat healthier patients with simpler medical needs, leaving more complex and costly cases to the public system. This could strain public healthcare resources and create a two-tiered system where access and quality vary significantly based on patients' ability to pay.
Another concern involves healthcare workforce distribution. A dual system might create competition for medical professionals, potentially drawing doctors, nurses, and specialists away from the public system with higher compensation offers from private facilities.
Broader Implications for Alberta's Healthcare
The discussion about Alberta's healthcare future comes at a critical time when provinces across Canada are grappling with how to maintain and improve healthcare delivery amid growing demands and financial pressures.
Professor Hardcastle's warnings highlight the complexity of healthcare system design and the importance of considering unintended consequences when making structural changes. Her analysis suggests that policymakers should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks of creating competition that might not serve the public interest.
The debate continues as Alberta considers its healthcare options, with advocates on both sides presenting arguments about how best to ensure sustainable, high-quality care for all Albertans regardless of their financial circumstances or medical needs.
