Dr. Swann: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In the joint submission to the Health Quality Council of Alberta made by the Alberta Medical Association and the Canadian Medical Association, widespread physician intimidation is described as well as an environment of “chronic instability” in Alberta’s health care system.

Since last March the AMA, the Alberta Medical Association, has had no master agreement with this province. To the minister of health. During negotiations the ministry threatened to terminate programs such as the physician and family support program and cast doubt on the future of other programs and staffing of physician offices. Are these the tactics of a government intent on eliminating intimidation of physicians?

Mr. Horne: Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows full and well, discussions between the government, Alberta Health Services, and the Alberta Medical Association on a new agreement have been ongoing for some time. The discussions, I can report, are positive. They’re constructive. The new president of the Alberta Medical Association, Dr. Linda Slocombe, and I have spoken several times. We are continuing to work toward a new agreement with Alberta’s doctors. I see nothing but positive and constructive dialogue in the months to come.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Dr. Swann: Well, I’m glad the minister is so optimistic, Mr. Speaker.

Given that such deplorable tactics persist, what confidence can Albertans have that current negotiations will result in an agreement fostering meaningful physician engagement in our health care system?

Mr. Horne: Mr. Speaker, the very act of the negotiations and the issues that are discussed are evidence of this government’s commitment to a constructive, positive relationship with physicians. My barometer is the feedback I receive from Dr. Linda Slocombe, the AMA president, on behalf of her members. As I will continue to report to this House, we’re on a very positive path toward addressing a number of the issues raised by the hon. member.

Dr. Swann: A lot of ground to catch up, Mr. Speaker, on the loss of confidence in this province among physicians. When will the province do what most provinces have done and implement continuance provisions that allow the building of trust and for the AMA to transition from one agreement to the next?

Continuance provisions.

Mr. Horne: Well, Mr. Speaker, obviously, it would be inappropriate for me to stand here and discuss specifics of discussions that may be under way between government, Alberta Health Services, and the Alberta Medical Association. What I will say is that this government is committed to continuing to provide an environment of stability and predictability for physicians that practise in this province. The same is true for all other health professionals. The discussions that are under way now reflect that spirit on both sides, and I have every reason to believe that will continue.

Alberta Hansard, November 21, 2011

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