Specialty Care Alliance Bulletin

July 2, 2026

In this issue:

Message from the Chair: Year 4 allocation
Health system news:
- Government announces dual practice model and EOI
- 10-year cancer care strategy announced
Lend your voice to the Joint Physician Advocacy Committee
Stipend to cARP transition supports

A message from the Chair

On June 25, government announced a $172.3 million investment in physician compensation as part of the final year of the current master agreement. This represents the arbitrator's award of a 3% increase, retroactive to April 1, 2025.

As you may have seen, additional details regarding distribution of this increase were shared in a President’s Letter from Dr. Brian Wirzba. The letter included, for members only, a summary of the Fee-For-Service percentage increases and updated ARP hourly rates by Section.

This news may be received differently across sections and by individuals. Some might welcome the progress reflected in this allocation, while others may feel it does not go far enough to address the pressures they continue to face. In his comments, Dr. Wirzba even noted that a larger overall increase was fought for to further help address physician priorities.

There is much more work to do through negotiations, but this is a start.

Work with sections to finalize micro changes and implementation of ARP rate adjustments will continue over the coming weeks. Members with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to their Section leadership or to Dr. Wirzba directly, who is always open to hearing member feedback.

- SCA Chair, Dr. Joe Bergman

Health system news

Government announces new dual practice model and EOI

Key takeaways:

The dual practice model will begin this September, allowing eligible physicians to provide publicly funded and privately paid elective surgeries in accredited facilities.
The model will initially apply to selected procedures already accredited for non-hospital surgical facilities, including some orthopedic, cataract, ENT, gynecological, dermatology, plastic surgery and minimally invasive general surgery procedures.
Emergency and life-saving services, including cancer care, will remain publicly funded only. Family physicians will not be eligible, except those with subspecialties in anesthesia or surgical assistance.

AMA’s message: Some government safeguards align with the AMA Dual Practice Task Force’s 70 proposed safeguards, including minimum public-system work requirements. However, key details on thresholds, reporting and oversight are still needed. The AMA continues to call for strong safeguards, transparency and clearer implementation details.

Action: Interested physicians can submit an Expression of Interest through Acute Care Alberta’s Alberta Dual Practice Program webpage by July 17.

The EOI is open to surgeons, anesthesia providers, endoscopists and physician surgical assistants whose work aligns with procedures appropriate for a Chartered Surgical Facility setting.
Questions about the EOI content or process can be directed to SCA.DualPracticeProgram@acutecarealberta.ca. (Despite the same acronym, this address is unrelated to our Specialty Care Alliance.)

Government announces new 10-year strategy for cancer care

Key takeaways:

Government has released a new 10-year cancer care strategy focused on earlier diagnosis, improved access and stronger supports for patients and providers.
The plan includes work to expand screening, improve diagnostic and referral pathways, strengthen supportive care, increase access to clinical trials and advanced therapies, modernize data and digital tools, and support workforce growth across the cancer care system.
Cancer Care Alberta and Acute Care Alberta will lead implementation.

Lend your voice to the Joint Physician Advocacy Committee

Action: We are seeking three specialists to join the Joint Physician Advocacy Committee (JPAC). To express interest, email specialtycarealliance@albertadoctors.org by Monday, July 20.

This is an opportunity to ensure specialist perspectives are reflected in AMA advocacy, build connections across the profession, and contribute to work that advances physician concerns. JPAC members have helped inform major initiatives such as the Acute Care Concerns Series and the AMA’s Informed Reform campaign, as well as targeted advocacy on emerging issues.

Please include brief responses to the following in your EOI:

Describe why you are interested in joining JPAC
What key issues or priorities do you believe the committee should focus on?
How do you think you will be able to contribute to the committee’s work and help promote its role?
What perspectives, experiences, or diversity of opinion would you bring to the committee?

Stipend to cARP transition supports

The AMA’s cARP Transition Support Team is available to help stipend-funded specialist physicians move toward a clinical ARP before the October 1 stipend end date.

How to access support: Resources are available online. Groups can request personalized support through the cARP development intake form or by contacting arpinquiries@albertadoctors.org. Priority is being given to groups transitioning from stipend funding, so physicians are encouraged to reach out early.