EDMONTON — Alberta’s government says close to 400 specialist physicians have expressed interest in participating in the province’s new dual practice system. The model will allow doctors to offer private services while also working in the public system, starting with elective surgeries like hip and knee replacements. Legislation enabling the new system takes effect on Tuesday, but the government says it still has to do a formal application process to ensure eligibility criteria are met. The province says it’s on track to see the first dual practice surgeries take place later this fall. Critics have said the new model amounts to two-tiered health care that benefits those who can afford to pay while draining resources from the public health system. The government has defended the move, saying it’s about creating more options for Albertans while creating a new system that will attract more doctors to the province. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 31, 2026. Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
