June 2, 2026

In this issue:

Message from the Chair
Health system news
JPAC membership opportunity
Share your voice: complete the AMA member tracking survey
Stipend transition townhall
Launch of the Specialty Access Strike Team

A message from the Chair

I want to thank all those specialty section leaders who took the time to share their input and thoughtful feedback on the proposed updates to the governance structure and Terms of Reference (ToR) for the SCA.

We received a very high response rate across all sections with feedback helping us:

clarify who the SCA represents and how membership is defined
strengthen executive and specialty representation
improve decision making, transparency and accountability, and
ensure specialist input meaningfully informs AMA and system level advocacy

All the feedback has now been carefully reviewed and used directly to help shape an updated ToR. This update will be circulated to Specialty Care Forum delegates who are invited to attend the June 23 Executive meeting. Any items requiring further discussion will be brought forward to the meeting.

This work has been an important part of our efforts to provide a strong, unified voice for specialists. A well-structured SCA helps ensure specialty perspectives are heard, trusted and influential.

- SCA Chair, Dr. Joe Bergman

Health system news

As you may have heard three of the four Health Ministers have changed following a May 21 cabinet shuffle. For your awareness the new ministers include:

Nathan Neudorf as the Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. Minister Neudorf (MLA for Lethbridge-East) replaces Jason Nixon (MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre) who has been named President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance. Minister Neudorf previously served as the Minister of Affordability and Utilities.
Justin Wright as the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services (PPHS). Minister Wright (MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat) replaces Adriana LaGrange. He previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health (South).
Adriana LaGrange as the Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services (HSHS). Minister LaGrange (MLA Red Deer-North) replaces Matt Jones as she moves from most recently serving as the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. Minister LaGrange continues to serve as the Health System Oversight Minister where she is responsible for leading the other pillars through the health system transformation.

Rick Wilson (MLA Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin) continues as Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

AMA leadership and members through various committees and working groups continue to engage with government throughout this change wherever possible to advocate for physicians, patients and improvements to the health system. Partnerships with the provincial agencies also continue to be a priority for the AMA Physician Workforce and Stewardship Medical Directors.

JPAC membership opportunity

The SCA Executive is currently seeking three specialists to join the Joint Physician Advocacy Committee (JPAC) as members-at-large. The committee helps guide the AMA’s advocacy priorities and plays a key role in helping physicians from both family medicine and specialty care come together to discuss shared issues and interests.

Previous committee experience is not necessary and RF delegate or section lead roles are not prerequisites.

Members willing to speak on behalf of their profession and bring specialist perspectives to the table are encouraged to indicate their interest by emailing specialtycarealliance@albertadoctors.org. The SCA Executive may ask for additional details as they consider all submissions before putting forward three candidates.

More information about JPAC is available online.

Share your thoughts: complete the AMA member tracking survey

On May 27 members will have received an invitation to complete the AMA Member Tracking Survey. These surveys have been conducted bi-annually for the past 20+ years as a way of gathering insight on member perceptions and opinions about the health care environment and the performance of the AMA.

We encourage all specialists to complete the survey. All responses are anonymous and your feedback provides important information to help guide the AMA Board and future initiatives.

Stipend transition townhall

Planning is underway to host another virtual townhall for members on stipend transition and progress on Clinical ARP (cARP) enhancements. The townhall will include an update from AMA President Dr. Brian Wirzba, highlight supports available from the AMA and a Q&A for members.

The townhall is slated for June 9 at 6:30 p.m. A registration link will be coming shortly so stay tuned. If you are unable to attend but have specific questions or concerns, you can reach out to president@albertadoctors.org.

Launch of the AMA Specialty Access Strike Team

The Physician Workforce and Stewardship (PWS) Branch has launched the Specialty Access Strike Team (SAST) to help improve referral and consultation pathways across the province.

Led by PWS Medical Director co-chairs Dr. Brad Bahler and Dr. Marc Shaw, the Strike Team is working with specialty and primary care physician leaders, AMA groups and external partners to identify referral challenges that create pain points for physicians and patients alike. The goal is to help drive physician-led improvements that support better access to specialty care, smoother workflows and stronger coordination of care.

If you are experiencing referral or consultation issues email striketeam@albertadoctors.org to share your experience or connect with the team. More information is available through the member login: Specialty Access Strike Team | Alberta Medical Association | AMA