An Alberta government audit of medical clinics charging membership fees found no major violations of laws prohibiting billing for insured services, but it did raise concerns about unequal access. The audit reviewed 13 clinics and revealed that members typically received longer, more comprehensive appointments and significantly more physician attention than non-members. Although there was no evidence that doctors were prioritizing members over others or breaking the law, four clinics offered services only to paying members. Critics argue the report overlooks the issue of patients paying for preferential access to medically necessary care. Health Canada has reiterated that charging for faster access to insured services raises legal concerns and is reviewing the report. The Province says it is considering legislative changes to better regulate these clinics. Opposition members say clearer rules and greater transparency are urgently needed. The full audit report has not been released due to it apparently containing proprietary information.
Elections Alberta has approved a petition launched by former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk that asks Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada. The initiative, titled “Alberta Forever Canada,” aims to counter growing separatist sentiment. Lukaszuk says he hopes the Legislature will debate the question instead of having the issue go to a referendum. The petition must collect about 294,000 signatures - 10% of eligible voters - within 90 days, and only original, witnessed signatures are valid. Lukaszuk argues that separation would damage Alberta’s economy, citizens' rights, and treaty obligations. Meanwhile, a proposed Alberta separation referendum question has been referred to a judge to determine its constitutionality before signature collection can begin. The question asks whether Alberta should become a sovereign country and leave Canada. Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer says the court review is necessary to ensure the question aligns with constitutional rights, including Indigenous treaty rights. Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery criticized the court referral, saying it undermines democratic participation and slows the citizen initiative process.
Alberta's government is considering new legislation to gain more control over municipal bike lanes, following a similar move by Ontario. The Province is closely monitoring Ontario's legal battle, where a court struck down a plan to remove bike lanes in Toronto, citing increased safety risks. Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen has raised concerns about bike lanes in Calgary and Edmonton, suggesting they may contribute to traffic delays and limit road access for drivers and emergency services. Dreeshen recently met with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who emphasized that the city’s bike lanes are flexible and regularly reviewed for performance. Calgary currently has about 290 kilometres of on-street bikeways. Advocates and experts argue that bike lanes improve safety and accessibility while offering a more affordable transportation option. Critics of removing bike lanes, including urban planners, say such moves prioritize cars over public safety and equitable mobility. Edmonton’s Mayor has yet to meet with Dreeshen on the issue, but the Province plans to engage both cities before moving forward.
BC wineries are frustrated by new wine fees introduced by Alberta, which add up to 30% to the cost of a bottle, significantly hurting their sales despite a trade agreement allowing direct-to-consumer shipping. The fees, introduced in April, include a flat charge and an escalating tax on bottles priced above $11.25, which impacts most Canadian wines. Winery owners and industry leaders say these new costs contradict Alberta’s public stance on reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade. Some wineries are reportedly bypassing the fees by selling directly, although industry associations advise against it. Alberta defends the fees as necessary for liquor sales regulation, even while promoting interprovincial trade. Many BC.wineries say it’s now cheaper to sell in the US than in Alberta. Alberta has also fallen in national rankings for removing trade barriers due to its lack of mutual recognition laws.
For the first time in over 40 years, Alberta is on pace to potentially build more homes than Ontario in 2025, despite having a much smaller population. Bank of Montreal economists attribute Alberta’s housing boom to strong economic growth, population increases, and a robust energy sector, while Ontario faces challenges due to tariffs and a slowing economy. Developers in Alberta praise provincial and municipal efforts to reduce red tape, which has helped keep construction costs relatively low and projects moving quickly. However, the rapid increase in new homes alongside a slowdown in immigration is raising concerns about potential oversupply in Alberta’s housing market.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced temporary visitor restrictions at certain healthcare facilities to help control the province’s measles outbreak, which has seen 1,538 cases so far this year. The restrictions may apply to units caring for the most vulnerable patients, such as neonatal and pediatric intensive care, oncology, labour and delivery, and medical-surgical units. Each facility will decide whether to impose limits based on factors like patient risk and unit layout. The outbreak has led to multiple public exposure alerts at hospitals across the province. Most cases are concentrated in the southern zone, with fewer in the north and central zones, and relatively few in Calgary and Edmonton.
