Bill 11 lets Alberta physicians bill patients directly for care outside the public system. Thousands of NWT residents depend on that same system every year.
What’s Happening
A law twelve health coalitions call a threat to Medicare itself
Alberta’s Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2) — Bill 11 — took effect this September. It allows physicians to bill both the public plan and patients directly through private-pay clinics, opening a parallel system where access follows ability to pay.
A legal opinion prepared by Goldblatt Partners LLP for the Canadian Health Coalition concluded the bill violates the comprehensiveness, accessibility, and universality principles of the Canada Health Act, and its prohibitions on extra-billing and user fees. On September 1, health coalitions from every province and territory — including Alternatives North — issued a joint statement calling on Ottawa to enforce the Act before the precedent takes hold nationally.
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel has told Alberta she is “very concerned” the plan may violate the Canada Health Act — but nine months after the bill passed, Ottawa has not withheld a dollar of funding.
The Northern Stake
NWT residents aren’t bystanders to Alberta’s health system — they’re patients in it
The North has no choice but to rely on Alberta for specialists and treatment unavailable at home. That dependence is exactly what a two-tier system puts at risk.
“If individuals choose to seek care outside these established pathways — for example, through private clinics — those services may not be covered by the public health care system, even if they would otherwise be considered insured services.”
— GNWT Minister of Health and Social Services Lesa Semmler, in response to Alternatives North’s inquiry, May 2026
And Albertans Agree
This isn’t outside interference — Albertans reject Bill 11 too
An Abacus Data poll commissioned by the Canadian Health Coalition, released August 2026, found overwhelming opposition among Albertans themselves.
Our Advocacy
Pressing both governments to act
Letter to Premier Simpson
Urged the GNWT to press Ottawa to enforce the Canada Health Act before Bill 11 could raise costs and reduce access for NWT residents.
Letter to federal Minister Michel
Called on the Minister to withhold health transfers from Alberta until the province rescinds the law, citing her authority and duty under the Act.
ATIP request on the AB–NWT Master Agreement
Pressed the GNWT for the current and previous master agreements on health, and asked directly whether the territory could end up paying private Alberta providers.
National Day of Action — Yellowknife
Joined a 30-city day of action, rallying outside MP Rebecca Alty’s constituency office alongside seven other provincial and territorial coalitions.
Local Coverage
Yellowknife Joins the National Day of Action
Yellowknife was one of roughly 30 cities that took part in the National Day of Action. Alternatives North organizers and allies rallied outside NWT MP Rebecca Alty’s office.
Get Involved
The fight for public health care doesn’t end with one rally
Alternatives North stands with health coalitions across the country in defending the Canada Health Act.
