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The Alberta government has announced a $172.3-million investment in physician compensation aimed at improving access to health care, strengthening physician recruitment and retention, and reducing pressure on emergency departments across the province.
The funding forms part of the 2022–26 master agreement between the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Medical Association (AMA). Developed through a collaborative process, the investment focuses on expanding access to care, supporting rural communities, and modernizing how physicians are compensated.
The latest commitment brings Alberta's total investment in physicians to more than $1 billion since 2022. This includes $780 million already negotiated through the current master agreement, along with additional funding for primary care compensation, physician panel support, and market rate review increases.
According to the provincial government, Alberta's physician workforce has reached a record high of 13,848 doctors. Officials say the new investment is designed to build on that growth by ensuring physician compensation remains competitive while supporting recruitment across both urban and rural communities.
Health officials note that more than 90 per cent of Alberta physicians will receive increased compensation under the agreement. The increases stem from a three per cent overall adjustment established through binding arbitration earlier this year, with the new framework outlining how those funds will be distributed.
A significant portion of the investment—$87.7 million—will be dedicated to modernizing compensation for physicians working under clinical Alternative Relationship Plans (ARPs). These models move beyond the traditional fee-for-service system, supporting team-based care and providing physicians with greater flexibility in delivering services.
The funding will also enhance Alberta's Triage Liaison Physician program, which places physicians in emergency departments to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and assist with clinical decision-making. Government officials say implementation details are being finalized in partnership with Acute Care Alberta and the Alberta Medical Association, with physicians expected to begin applying to the updated program in the near future.
The province says the investment complements several recent health-care initiatives, including $200 million for primary care compensation, $57 million to support family physicians and nurse practitioners, and $41 million in market rate review increases.
Physician rate increases will be implemented as soon as possible and applied retroactively to April 1, 2025.
Negotiations between the Alberta government and the Alberta Medical Association on a new master agreement remain ongoing.
Provincial officials say the latest funding package is intended to strengthen Alberta's health-care system by attracting and retaining physicians, improving access to care in both rural and urban communities, and supporting the continued modernization of health-care delivery for Albertans.
For more information about the Physician Agreement, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/physician-agreement.
Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.
