Alberta doctors call proposed new pay plan cynical and heavy-handed
Updated: Mar 4, 2023
Bill violates 'the sanctity of contracts,' allowing government to unilaterally cancel them
Alberta's doctors say proposed changes to their pay and practice rules are cynical and heavy-handed and will make future physicians think twice about working in the province.
Dr. Christine Molnar, the head of the Alberta Medical Association, says a bill now before the legislature would allow the government to unilaterally rip up the current master pay deal — and any future pay deals — it reaches with doctors.
"Government is cynically asking us to work toward agreements when it appears we are the only party to be bound by them," Molnar wrote Wednesday in an open letter to members.
"This bill effectively gives government the power of pre-approval to cancel any physician services agreement without recourse. This is a violation of the sanctity of contracts."