Albertans help shape province’s next era of health care

More than 2,000 Albertans have shared their views on the future of the province’s health system, helping guide major structural changes now underway.

The Lead the Way – What We Heard report summarizes input from a second round of government-led public engagement sessions held between January and May. Residents and front-line health workers were invited to weigh in on how to improve access, decision-making and support for patients and providers.

This follows the Shape the Way consultations held in 2024. The additional round was promised by the minister of primary and preventative health services to gather more detailed feedback on local needs and how care is delivered on the ground.

“Albertans have spoken – they want a health care system that’s easier to access, more responsive and truly connected to their communities,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange. “That’s our priority as a government … Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. You’ve played an important role in helping us build a stronger health care system.”

The report identifies six priority themes raised by participants:

• improve access to care, particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, with services that are culturally appropriate

• invest more in prevention, public health and early intervention

• allocate staff, equipment and infrastructure more efficiently, with clear planning and transparency

• strengthen accountability to rebuild public trust

• better support and retain health-care workers

• ensure care is unified, co-ordinated and centred around patients

Feedback from both rounds is being used to inform the development of Alberta’s four new provincial health agencies: Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta, Primary Care Alberta and Recovery Alberta.

Although this phase of engagement is complete, the province says Albertans will continue to have avenues to contribute through regional advisory councils. These councils will advise government as the new system is implemented.

The Lead the Way consultations included 64 in-person sessions across the province — 63 in English and one in French — along with seven virtual sessions. In total, 2,035 people participated.