The prospect of Alberta's healthcare system becoming privatized is terrifying for many, as it would likely mean countless individuals could no longer afford the care they need. This is not just one person's story; there are countless others in similar situations across Alberta.
Our public healthcare system is vital for ensuring that all Albertans, regardless of their financial situation, have access to necessary medical services. In 2019, approximately 9.5% of Canadians lived in poverty (source: Statistics Canada). For these individuals and families, a private healthcare system could put essential medical treatments out of reach.
Moreover, research has shown that privatized systems often lead to increased costs without significant improvements in quality or accessibility (source: Canadian Medical Association Journal). We must ensure that our healthcare remains public and accessible for all Albertans.
Recent developments in 2025 further highlight these concerns:
•Bill 55, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, introduced in May, significantly overhauls how healthcare services are governed. Critics argue this legislation opens the door to private ownership and operation of Alberta's hospitals, allowing the government to appoint non-provincial health agencies to run them. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) and other healthcare unions have voiced strong opposition, stating that Bill 55, combined with Budget 2025, could enable the sale of hundreds of publicly funded health facilities.
 •The government is proceeding with the restructuring of Alberta Health Services (AHS) into four new provincial health agencies (Acute Care, Primary Care, Continuing Care, and Mental Health and Addiction), with AHS transitioning to primarily an acute care service provider. This, along with the transfer of ownership of health care properties to Alberta Infrastructure, raises alarms for many about increased privatization and control over the healthcare system.
 •A new "activity-based" funding model for hospital surgeries is being introduced for some procedures in 2026. While the government states this will improve efficiency, critics fear it will accelerate the shift of public funding and profits to private surgical providers, potentially leading to less value for taxpayer money and unequal access to care.
By signing this petition, you are standing up for vulnerable individuals who depend on public health care services. Please sign this petition today to prevent the privatization of healthcare in Alberta.