A recent opinion survey indicates a significant portion of Albertans harbor doubts that the provincial government's plan to let physicians work in both the public and private health-care sectors will alleviate lengthy wait times. In fact, many residents worry the proposed changes could exacerbate the problem.
Poll Reveals Public Skepticism
The December poll, conducted by Leger, asked Albertans for their views on the proposed dual-practice model. The results show a divided and cautious public. Thirty-four per cent of respondents believe allowing doctors to split their time between the two systems would actually increase wait times for medical services.
Only 25 per cent expressed the belief that the change would shorten delays. Meanwhile, 18 per cent anticipated no real impact, and 23 per cent said they did not know what the effect would be.
Andrew Enns, executive vice-president with Leger central Canada, linked this skepticism to broader concerns about the health system. "The fact that you’ve got this divided, mixed range of opinions on a fairly significant reform suggests that I think people are open to trying something," Enns said. "I think that lack of confidence is a sense that the way the system is, something more needs to happen."
Confidence in the System is Split
The poll also measured general confidence in the health-care system's capacity. The findings were nearly evenly split, with 40 per cent of Albertans stating they were not confident in the system's ability to meet their family's needs. Thirty-nine per cent said they were confident.
This underlying uncertainty forms the backdrop for the debate around Bill 11 — the Health Statutes Amendment Act. Introduced in 2025, the legislation would permit some physicians—excluding family doctors—to work in both sectors. It also proposes other sweeping changes, including making the province the "payor of last resort" for drug coverage and requiring Albertans to renew their health cards.
Government Defends the Proposed Model
Hospitals and Surgical Health Services Minister Matt Jones defended the policy, pointing to its use in other jurisdictions globally. He argued the model presents an opportunity to boost health-care access and aid in physician retention.
"Of course, there are some Albertans who are concerned about any changes to our public health care system," Jones acknowledged. "We want to make this system more flexible to patients and physicians, and I think that’s going to help us recruit and retain physicians that are going to other jurisdictions."
The poll results suggest the government faces a challenge in convincing a skeptical public that introducing more private-sector options into the public health framework is the solution to systemic issues like surgical backlogs and long emergency room waits. The data reveals a population open to change but wary of reforms that might prioritize flexibility over equitable access.