Funding for Indigenous continuing care will help create culturally appropriate spaces for Alberta’s Indigenous.
Through Budget 2023, the Government of Alberta will invest $310 million over three years in the Continuing Care Capital Program. The program, which includes an Indigenous stream, aims to strengthen the quality and long-term sustainability of the continuing care system.
It will also help create spaces that are culturally safe and address the unique needs of Alberta’s Indigenous, while ensuring they have the same access to high-quality care as everyone else.
“Indigenous people in our province need batter access to culturally safe continuing care spaces so they can receive the care they need in familiar surroundings close to their family and friends,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping.
“The Indigenous stream of the Continuing Care Capital Program offers Indigenous groups an opportunity to partner with the province to develop continuing care spaces equipped with appropriate supports and services.”
Grant proposals from Indigenous groups will be opened later this year.
Watch the Press Conference.
In August 2021, the government invited eligible Indigenous groups to apply for one-time capital grant funding through the Indigenous stream of the Continuing Care Capital Program. The grant intake closed in December 2021 and Alberta Health is working with successful applicants to complete the final steps of the process.
The Continuing Care Capital Program is part of the government’s broader commitment to address the recommendations identified in the Facility-Based Continuing Care Review report and responds to recommendations for the province to work with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop culturally appropriate continuing care capacity. The Indigenous stream of the Continuing Care Capital Program is the first of its kind in Canada.
“The Continuing Care Capital Program will keep Elders and loved ones who require culturally appropriate health care close to their families in our communities,” said Alexander First Nation Chief George Arcand Jr.
“Sustainable, on-reserve health care ensures Alexander First Nation families will lead strong, healthy and connected lives for the next seven generations.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government will invest $200 million to expand post-secondary health care programs through Budget 2023.
This includes $72 million over three years to create more than 3,400 new seats in post-secondary health care programs. A total of $113 million will go towards adding 100 residency training spaces for doctors who have recently graduated, particularly in rural areas and specialist fields.
“Through the Health Workforce Strategy and the many other actions we’re taking, Alberta will build a strong, resilient and sustainable health workforce where its workers are supported to succeed as they provide expert care to improve the lives of Albertans,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping.
The Health Workforce Strategy lays the foundation for a resilient and sustainable health care system that provides Albertans with access to a health home – along with the workforce to deliver health services they need today.
The announcement, made on Monday, March 13, 2023 is just part of that strategy and efforts to address health care challenges through Budget 2023.
Other investments include:
Investing $30 million in health care program expansion to create about 1,800 new seats over the next three years in nursing, health care aide and paramedicine programs.
Investing almost $20 million to create 120 new physician seats at the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta.
Funding will also help increase the number of rural physicians in Alberta in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Investing $113 million over three years for medical residency positions to add 100 residency training spaces and fund compensation for academic physicians instructing medical students.
Investing $22 million to upskill internationally educated nurses by creating new bridging programs and expanding seats at existing bridging programs to add 1,500 new spaces.
Investing $14 million over two years for the targeted recruitment of internationally trained nurses from the United States and the United Kingdom.
“This investment in our medical schools is a direct investment in the health of Albertans,” said Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta.
“These dollars will train new physicians, increase opportunities for medical residents and support those who train them, ensuring world-class care in every corner of the province.”
When it comes to the health care seat expansion, publicly funded post-secondary institutions will be invited to submit proposals in health-related programs. Programs could include registered nurses, health care aides, licensed practical nurses, nursing coordinators and supervisors, paramedical occupations and other medical technologists and technicians.
It is expected the number of physician seats available will increase by 58 per cent over 10 years, with more than $2 million in investments already made at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.
The physician training expansion investment, meanwhile, is part of the Academic Medicine and Health Services Program, which ensures physicians affiliated with Alberta’s faculties of medicine are fairly compensated for providing patient care along with work related to research, innovation, education, administration, and leadership.
Once the seat expansion is fully realized, Alberta will licence more than 100 additional physicians annually who will be ready to practise.
These investments build on last year’s targeted enrolment expansion, which added 2,500 new seats in health-related programs.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Former Supreme Court Justice John C. Major and economist and former AHS board member Jack Mintz are among five new members appointed to the Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel.
The members will work with panel chair Preston Manning to review the legislation and governance practices used by the province during public health emergencies and to recommend improvements.
“I am thrilled with the scope, experience and outstanding credentials these panel members bring to the review. Albertans can have confidence Alberta’s pandemic response will be reviewed by these medical, policy, legal and economic experts so our province can better respond to the next public health emergency.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
On Jan. 19, Premier Smith created the expert panel to review legislation and governance practices to improve Alberta’s ability to respond to public health emergencies.
“I look forward to working closely with these talented and passionate experts. We welcome input from the people of this province who lived through the pandemic and experienced first-hand the impact on their families, education, work and businesses.”
Preston Manning, chair, Public Health Emergencies Governance Review Panel
The panel will provide its final report and recommendations by Nov. 15.
Panel members
John (Jack) C. Major is a retired justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and has helped shape the legal landscape in Canada through his years as a lawyer, judge and counsel. He served as counsel for numerous organizations including the Canadian Medical Protective Association (Alberta), the City of Calgary Police Service, and the CCB and Northland Bank (Estey Commission). He is a King’s counsel, and was appointed a companion of the Order of Canada in 2008 and the Canadian Bar Association’s 2015 President’s Award.
Dr. Martha Fulford is an associate professor at McMaster University and retired chief of medicine at the McMaster University Medical Centre of Hamilton Health Sciences. She provides infectious disease consultations, runs the McMaster Travel Clinic and is a member of the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s Communicable Diseases Committee with Public Health Ontario.
Michel Kelly-Gagnon is a past and current president of the Montreal Economic Institute and past-president of the Quebec Employers Council. He was one of six Quebecers honoured in Canada’s Top 40 Under 40™ 2008 awards. He serves on several boards, including the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Fondation Universitaire Pierre Arbour.
Jack M. Mintz is the president’s fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy. He chaired the Alberta Premier’s Economic Recovery Council and is a former board member of Alberta Health Services and Imperial Oil Limited. His career includes fellowships, professorships, committee chairmanships, and he has been president and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute.
Dr. Rob Tanguay is a psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary and co-founder and chief medical officer of The Newly Institute, a disability and rehabilitation program. He founded innovative programs with AHS and works with spinal surgeons and research.
This is a copy of the press release from the Alberta government.
Constituents of Red Deer-North with questions, comments, concerns or any other feedback can reach out to the local constituency office via the contact page.
Alberta aims to bring in more internationally educated nurses to bolster the health care system.
More than 600 new seats are being created for nurse bridging programs, as well as a new bursary for internationally educated nurses.
“We are reducing barriers for internationally educated nurses to come to Alberta,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides. “This is truly a ‘win-win’ for our province, and will help us train more nurses to keep our health care system strong now, and in the future.”
In Budget 2023, Alberta is planning to invest more than $15 million to train and support these nurses.
“The costs of internationally trained nurses to get accredited to work in Alberta can be a hurdle for many looking to further their careers here,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping. “These bridging program bursaries remove the financial challenges and also help attract more health-care workers to the province to meet our growing needs.”
Bursaries for internationally educated nurses
A $7.8 million annual investment, under Budget 2023, will fund non-repayable financial assistance for internationally educated nurses, building on the $1.25 million announcement last fall.
Eligible nurses would be able to access up to $30,000 over five years through a bursary to help offset the costs of nursing bridging programs, tuition and living expenses. The bursary will be available in the 2023-24 academic year.
Recipients are required to complete one year of nursing service in Alberta for every $6,000 disbursed. This will ensure Albertan patients and communities benefit from having nurses start their careers in the province. A third party will disburse assistance and oversee the program on behalf of Alberta Student Aid.
Any internationally educated nurse learner living in Alberta who has enrolled in an approved bridging program will be eligible for the bursary, regardless of their eligibility for any other federal or provincial student aid. The amount will be determined base don program of study, tuition costs, licensing and program fees, with a minimum of $8,000 awarded.
600 new seats in bridging program
A total of $7.3 million is earmarked to create more than 600 new seats for registered nurse and licensed practical nurse bridging and licensing programs starting in the 2023-24 academic year.
This includes 256 new seats at Mount Royal University, 120 at Bow Valley College and 250 at NorQuest College nurse bridging programs.
About 403,000 Albertans have been diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The number is expected to increase to 573,000 by 2032. The group is working to identify gaps and how to provide better overall care for diabetics while ensuring programs and services are sustainable.
“Each year the number of Albertans diagnosed with diabetes increases and this trend is concerning. Finding ways to more effectively prevent, screen for and treat this serious, chronic condition is critical,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping.
“With this group’s expertise and experience, and the insights gathered through this review, we can establish a way forward that better meets the needs of Albertans at risk for and living with diabetes.”
Minister Copping attended the meeting virtually, and recommendations from the group for improving diabetes care and informing a provincial diabetes strategy will be shared with the Minister of Health in Fall 2023.
The working group is comprised of 16 individuals, including co-chairs Dr. Julie McKeen and Dr. Peter Sargious.
“As a diabetes care provider and administrator, I have seen the impact of diabetes and its challenges, and I am excited to be part of the Diabetes Working Group,” said McKeen.
“This is a unique opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of diabetes prevention and management in Alberta and provide recommendations that can positively influence the care of Albertans at risk for, affected by and living with diabetes.”
Other working group members include:
Diabetes Canada representative
JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) representative
Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association representative
Métis Nation of Alberta representative
First Nations community representative
Primary care physician, researcher with a focus on Indigenous health
Physician representative from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Council
Pharmacist representative from Alberta College of Pharmacy (regulated member)
Nurse representative from the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Dietitian representative from the College of Dietitians of Alberta (regulated member)
Physician representative from the Alberta Medical Association
Albertan with Type 1 diabetes
Albertan with Type 2 diabetes
Albertan who uses an insulin pump
The working group will also receive input from a variety of other representatives from the diabetes community, such as manufacturers and community advocacy groups, to ensure that all perspectives and experiences are considered while developing recommendations for the future of Alberta’s diabetes care pathway.
Albertans can email their suggestions to the Diabetes Working Group at diabetes@gov.ab.ca.
Red Deer-North Constituents with questions, comments, concerns or ideas can also reach out to their MLA through the local constituency office or using the contact form.
Low-income nursing students will see their education become a bit more affordable thanks to an $8.5-million additional investment into the New Beginnings Bursary.
Up to 1,700 students will be eligible for the one-time, non-repayable $5,000 bursary. Recipients will automatically be selected from student loan applicants who meet program and financial eligibility criteria.
“The New Beginnings Bursary provides assistance to those who are interested in joining the health care workforce, but may not be able to afford the additional training,” said Health Minister Jason Copping.
“Health care needs continue to grow in our province and we need more local professionals familiar with the challenges in their area. By increasing education opportunities for Albertans, we improve the chances of retaining home-grown talent.”
Watch the press release.
The New Beginnings Bursary was created in 2022 to increase access to post-secondary education for those who might not be able to attend due to financial constraints. The government anticipates that by the end of 2023-24 academic year, a total of 3,400 low-income students will have benefitted from the bursary.
“Being able to access high-quality and affordable education was very important to me when I decided to become a nurse. This new funding through the New Beginnings Bursary will help so many more nurses access the training they need to go on to have successful careers in the healthcare sector, and ensure Albertans have access to the care they need,” said Nancy Tran, a nursing student at Mount Royal University.
The funding is part of Alberta’s Healthcare Action Plan, aimed at addressing high demand for nurses and healthcare professionals in the province. Alberta’s government created nearly 2,500 new seats in health-related programs last year. Other initiatives include expanded training for internationally educated nurses and funding micro-credential programs in health care fields.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or feedback on helping low-income nursing students can reach out to the local Constituency Office via the contact form.
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.
The Alberta government is speeding up 911 response times.
Non-urgent calls will be sent to a new, dedicated EMS-811 Shared Response team, including an 811 nurse to ensure Albertans have the highest level of care available in serious situations.
The shared response team will work with EMS emergency communications officers to assess the level of care needed, allowing urgent calls to receive a faster ambulance response.
“Empowering dispatchers to divert non-urgent calls to a dedicated team of experienced nurses within 811 when clinically appropriate is a win for Albertans,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health in a Government of Alberta statement.
“Everyone will have access to the appropriate level of care they need when they need it. The new approach makes our EMS system more responsive to the needs of Albertans.”
Non-urgent calls account for about 10-20 per cent of total 911 call volume, depending on the area. With the EMS-811 Shared Response team, an estimated 40,000 non-emergency responses could be avoided each year.
Albertans who call 911 will be connected with EMS, where an emergency communications officer will triage patients similarly to a hospital emergency department. While assuring the caller help is on the way, the officer will transfer patients best handled with alternate levels of care to a team of experienced registered nurses at 811. The registered nurse will continue to assess the patient and situation to identify appropriate care options.
The calls sent to the new shared response team do not wait in the regular 811 queue, and if it’s determined an ambulance is required, one is then dispatched.
“Collaboration between EMS and Health Link has helped us generate this innovative solution. We are creating capacity for EMS and also helping the patient with care they need. This is one more example of how dedicated teams work together to achieve a common goal,” said Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Alberta Health Services Dr. Francois Belanger.
This new system is part of the provincial government and AHS’ ongoing efforts to improve emergency medical services coverage.
Other measures being taken through the Health Care Action Plan. This includes using alternative methods for non-emergency transfers, which AHS is issuing a request for expressions of interest and qualifications for the Calgary and Edmonton areas in early February.
If you have questions, concerns or comments, contact your Red Deer-North Constituency Office using the form here.
Alberta’s social sector is receiving an additional $24 million to address rising operational costs and workforce challenges.
Thousands of Albertans, including many in Red Deer-North, rely on the sector and services provided through disability programs, homeless shelters, and family violence prevention programs.
However, many currently on the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program are having a hard time finding and keeping staff, and the funding is designed to alleviate that.
About 20,600 front-line service workers will be supported through the additional funding, including 19,500 disability support workers, 1,000 homeless shelter workers, and 175 family violence prevention workers.
“Workers in disability services, emergency shelters and family violence prevention programs are providing critical support to thousands of Albertans,” said Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jeremy Nixon.
“Our province cannot go without these individuals’ dedication, which is why we are proud to support them in their hard work for our most vulnerable.”
Currently, the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services funds 179 Persons with Developmental Disabilities service providers, and 69 Family Support for Children with Disabilities service providers.
Another $2 million will be provided to disability service providers to to help with increasing operational costs, including utilities and insurance.
Alberta’s disability and family violence prevention sector has not seen an increase for operational costs since 2014.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, contact your Red Deer-North MLA office here.
Emergency wait times are set to be reduced through a program that will free up paramedics and ambulances to respond to more emergency calls – and faster.
Alberta’s government, along Alberta Health Services (AHS), is introducing the Healthcare Action Plan. Through the plan, alternative transportation will be arranged for transfer patients who don’t require medical support, allowing paramedics and ambulances to go where they are needed most.
“Paramedics are highly skilled health professionals who are trained to respond in times of crisis. We want to ensure their skills are being used in the best way possible while also ensuring Albertans are not left waiting after a call to 911,” said Premier Danielle Smith.
“Albertans have been calling for change and rightfully demanding a health system that works for them. By rolling out this program across the province, we will free up more ambulances and acute care beds to deliver urgent care, faster.”
As per a Government of Alberta press release, AHS expects 15 per cent of transports will be diverted from emergency medical services, allowing paramedics to respond to about 70 more transports per day once the program is implemented.
Alternative transportation includes wheelchair-accessible taxis, community shuttles, and other locally available options, and AHS will cover the cost of transportation for patients who are financially unable to do so.
AHS has identified four priority areas to both reduce pressure on the healthcare system, and improve its performance. The Healthcare Action Plan is just one of several actions being taken.
Other initiatives include:
Improving EMS response times through:
Supporting the use of alternative transport options.
Adding triage physicians in emergency department waiting rooms to support ambulance offload.
Performing secondary triage – sending 911 calls to 811 where appropriate.
Allowing paramedics to assess and treat without transport to hospital.
Implementing an EMS Provincial Service Plan.
Decreasing emergency department wait times by:
Improving hospital flow to improve use of emergency department beds.
Ensuring Albertans are aware of alternate options to visit an emergency department.
Expanding hours for non-urgent clinics at children’s hospitals.
Increasing dedicated Allied Health supports in the emergency department to support timely assessment and discharge of elderly and frail patient populations.
Partnering with community organizations to facilitate safe discharge from emergency departments for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Reducing wait times for surgeries by:
Improving management of wait lists.
Utilizing surgical facilities outside of Edmonton and Calgary hospitals.
Improving overall patient flow and capacity at AHS sites by:
Improving the community-based options for homeless and vulnerable populations requiring medical respite and convalescent care.
Increasing Allied Health supports to hospital care teams to support improved patient flow on hospital wards.
Adding additional hours of home care to support patients at home who are waiting for continuing care placement or to keep patients in their homes as long as they would like to and can safely be there.
Ensuring consistent seven day per week admission into continuing care.
The plan will be implemented as soon as possible across the province. Further consultation with patients, their families, Indigenous partners and continuing care providers will take place to ensure solutions are available locally, including in Red Deer.
“I want to thank all staff and physicians who are helping to get this new EMS program implemented and executed, and also the teams focused on immediate actions across all priority areas,” said AHS Interim President and CEO Mauro Chies.
*Originally posted on the Government of Alberta website here.
The $1.8 billion hospital expansion is the largest in Alberta’s history and the largest taxpayer investment in the history of central Alberta. It will begin with a $193 million investment over the next three years and will include 200 new in-patient beds, increasing hospital capacity from 370 beds to 570 beds or by 54 per cent.
The expansion also provides for three new operating rooms, increasing surgical capacity to 14 operating rooms.
A new cardiac catheterization lab will also be part of the hospital’s expansion.
“For too long, central Albertans have been waiting for these critical upgrades and expansion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital. That’s why we’ve made expanding the Red Deer Regional Hospital a priority, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is. Alberta’s Recovery Plan has already seen healthcare infrastructure built from Grande Prairie to Calgary, and now, it’s making sure world-class health care is there for Red Deer and central Alberta for years to come with the largest investment in the history of central Alberta.”
Jason Kenney, Premier
“This important investment will ensure the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre continues to provide exceptional quality hospital care for the residents in the Red Deer region for decades to come. This investment is a key component of the Alberta government’s commitment to building health-care capacity throughout the province.”
Travis Toews, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
The project’s next steps include functional programming and design. Completion of the expansion is slated for 2030-2031.
“Red Deer and central Alberta’s growing populations mean that our ability to effectively provide health care with the current hospital is limited, resulting in all too frequent disruptions to patient care. This needed redevelopment will increase capacity and expand services to meet central Albertans’ needs into the future. It’s another example of our government’s commitment to build health system capacity throughout Alberta.”
Jason Copping, Minister of Health
“I know how important this project is to the residents of central Alberta. This important expansion of the Red Deer hospital will create jobs and improve residents’ access to health-care services in the years to come.”
Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure
“The expansion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre is extremely significant for our city and long overdue. This historical investment means that central Albertans will benefit from increased surgical and in-patient capacity, benefiting our community in ways that were previously not possible. In addition, I am so pleased that local patients will finally have a cardiac catheterization lab as part of this amazing expansion, which will literally save lives. As the third-largest city in the province, this expansion will go a long way in providing the medical care and attention we have long needed and strongly advocated for.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education and MLA for Red Deer-North
“This is welcome news for our staff and physicians at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, as well as to all those we care for within its walls. Being able to expand our in-patient capacity, as well as critical programs like surgical services with new operating rooms, is paramount to continuing to serve the health-care needs of central Albertans as so many rely on Red Deer Regional. On behalf of Alberta Health Services, we are grateful for the support of government partners in moving this project forward, and for the ongoing efforts of our teams who eagerly await this expansion.” — Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO, Alberta Health Services
“This is a monumental day for our city and for the central Alberta region. It is with extreme gratitude that we recognize the provincial government for this significant investment in the care of central Albertans.”
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Ken Johnston, mayor, City of Red Deer
“Located along one of the busiest transportation corridors in the province, Red Deer County serves close to 20,000 residents within central Alberta. The county welcomes this news and is appreciative of the Government of Alberta’s capital investment to our region for the improvement of health care for our residents.”
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Jim Wood, Mayor, Red Deer County
Quick facts
The Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre is the busiest hospital outside of Edmonton and Calgary. It has the fourth-highest volume of any Alberta Health Services’ facility.
Approximately 50 per cent of patients seen at the hospital are referred from communities outside of Red Deer.
The hospital offers a full spectrum of acute care, including advanced surgery, internal medicine and diagnostics, as well as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, critical care and emergency care.
$100 million was allocated to the project in Budget 2020.
