Dear Members,
Voting closed today at 4 p.m. for the 2022-26 agreement package just negotiated with government. I am pleased to report that members ratified it with a “Yes” vote from 70.2% of responding physicians. (Voter turnout was 45.8%. While turnout was higher for the package that members rejected in 2021, today’s result is significantly higher than recent ratifications.)
I wanted you to hear the news from the AMA first. Neither the Minister nor I will be releasing the vote numbers publicly or giving any media interviews until after a joint news conference is held. This is being arranged for tomorrow (September 29) at 11:30 a.m. in Red Deer.
Upcoming President’s Letters will address the important issues and implications arising from this milestone. Thank you for your support throughout these long negotiations and for participating in the process. Most of all, thank you for being there for your patients and your colleagues during some of the most challenging times we have ever experienced as a profession.
Just a reminder, too, that the virtual AMA Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, October 3 at 7 p.m. I will deliver my valedictory address and incoming President Dr. Fredrykka Rinaldi will share her thoughts on the year ahead. We’ll conduct some other important AMA business as well, so please register to attend!
You can reach me any time by email if you would like a reply at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Vesta Michelle Warren, MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRRMS
President, Alberta Medical Association