2024/2025 Membership Renewal is now open!
The "voice of the AMA" – Published regularly throughout the year, the President's Letter informs you about Alberta Medical Association positions on key and complex issues in Alberta’s health care.
Read the November 22 President's Letter
As part of a cross-ministry effort by the provincial government, Alberta Health has invited the Alberta Medical Association to complete a survey on behalf of members. It relates to “legislative changes to safeguard freedom of expression for regulated professionals.”
Right now, the AMA is engaged in more advocacy than at any other time in our history. In the category of fact checking, we coordinated yesterday with section experts to respond to comments made by the premier in a news conference.
Here is AMA Fact Checkup – Issue 2. In this issue, we check and correct government on statements they have made.
Comments on the most recent President's Letter are enabled and welcome. You may also contact the AMA President by email at [email protected].
Below you will find previous issues of The President's Letter. For older issues no longer on the website, contact us.
I’ve written a few times about the work to involve community-based physicians in delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. We have moved forward in partnership with Alberta Health, working closely with the Primary Care Networks. The Alberta Medical Association created the online Expression of Interest portal, through which physicians could express interest in participation.
I have appreciated all the emails and conversations since my April 1 President’s Letter. Many of you have shared your thoughts and hopes for the future. Your feedback demonstrates the strong engagement of members in the voting process and a thorough understanding of what was at stake.
As I am sure many of you have heard, Alberta Health announced that Phase 2C of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out begins today. They have given priority to health care providers delivering direct patient care. I have heard from many members since the first vaccines were approved late last year, and we have all been anxiously awaiting this announcement.
To avoid days of silence at an important time, I wanted to write again before the weekend, which I hope will be a short break for many. I appreciate all the members who have written since the ratification vote to offer thoughtful comments on next steps for the AMA.
The membership has voted No to the Tentative Agreement Package between the Alberta Medical Association and the provincial government. 53% of members who voted, voted no and 47% voted yes. The overall vote turnout was 59% – which is considerably higher than for recent agreements.
As I announced in my February 26 President’s Letter, a Tentative Agreement Package has been reached with the provincial government. A special meeting of the Representative Forum convened virtually today. There was an excellent exchange of information and input. At the conclusion, there was overwhelming support to move forward with ratification. As a result, the Board has decided to proceed with a vote.
I have received comments and questions from many members regarding the tentative agreement with government. I realize everyone is eager to know what the tentative agreement contains and when they will be able to see it. The next step in the process is for the Board to bring the proposal to the Representative Forum to receive their input and advice prior to making the final decision to send to members.
As you know, discussions with government have been ongoing continuously since last fall. I am pleased to tell you that we have reached a tentative agreement package arising from the negotiations.
Much like our colleagues on the frontlines everywhere, feelings of distress are common amongst physicians. The reasons for this are multi-faceted, but the great uncertainty in our environment is playing a significant role. As evidence of this, our own Physician and Family Support Program has seen a sharp increase in calls related to anxiety, stress and depression.
In 2022 an Alberta physician will become president of the Canadian Medical Association. This is an exciting opportunity for Alberta and comes at a pivotal time in our country’s public health care system.