As it currently stands in most provinces, physicians who are licensed to practice in one province have to go through a lengthy application process with a plethora of paperwork and pay thousands of dollars in fees in order to practice in another province.
The Feb. 18 memo, sent by Alberta Medical Association head Dr. Shelley Duggan to member physicians, says Alberta’s health ministry seeks cuts to more than 800 physician billing codes.
The Ontario Hospital Association says it is concerned the tariffs and counter-tariffs ‘will likely bring significant risks to Ontario’s healthcare system, including the disruption of access to vital equipment and supplies.’
Doctors Manitoba says physicians write roughly 600,000 sick notes per year and by eliminating them it can free up more than 300,000 visits for patients.
A bill now before the legislature would give the provincial cabinet the power to spell out specific sites for detention such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Health Minister Josie Osborne said the ongoing toxic drug crisis has led to a ‘small but growing number of people who are living with overlapping mental-health and substance-use challenges, as well as brain injuries from repeated overdoes.’
The Opposition B.C. Conservatives say the proposal by caucus chair Jody Toor is the first private member’s bill to pass second reading with unanimous support in a recorded vote in 43 years.
Since launching the pilot in select pharmacies in 2023, the program has handled about 27,000 appointments, with 100% of surveyed patients saying they’d recommend it to family and friends.
