How Albertas Private-Public Surgery Model May Work Without Violating Federal Funding Rules

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in a file photo. The Canadian Press/Jason FranssonAlberta’s move to allow a parallel private surgery system alongside the public health system has raised concerns among opposition and advocacy groups, who say it violates federal health-funding rules.Premier Danielle Smith announced the proposal on Nov. 19, saying that letting surgeons perform privately funded surgeries during their off-hours will shorten public wait times without added costs to taxpayers. The opposition NDP and a number of advocacy groups say the plan violates the Canada Health Act, and is a major step toward privatization.