Regional health councils aim to amplify community voices in Alberta’s health care system
EDMONTON — Alberta is launching 14 new regional health advisory councils to give residents more say in how health care is delivered in their communities.
The province says the councils, part of Alberta’s health care refocus plan, will allow local voices to shape decision-making by offering advice directly to government and newly formed agencies. The councils will support four ministries and health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta.
In total, 150 members from 71 communities have been appointed, including health care workers, Indigenous and municipal leaders, and others with deep ties to their regions. About one-third of the members work in health care, and nearly one-quarter are municipal officials. Ten council chairs or vice-chairs are also local elected officials. Each council will explore local challenges, gather feedback and bring forward ideas to make services more responsive and community-focused.
“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”
Matt Jones, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, said the councils will help improve acute care by providing timely input on local hospital needs and patient outcomes. Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, added that a “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer works and that community-tailored mental health and addiction supports are needed. Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, said the initiative will help address the unique needs of seniors and vulnerable populations.
Council members will gather insights from residents, front-line providers and local organizations. Their findings are expected to influence planning, service priorities and delivery approaches across the province.
Kim Simmonds, CEO of Primary Care Alberta, said the councils will provide crucial local context as the agency works to expand access to family doctors and primary care. Acute Care Alberta’s interim CEO, Dr. Chris Eagle, said front-line perspectives will help improve hospital and surgical care delivery.
Dr. Sayeh Zielke, CEO of Assisted Living Alberta, emphasized the importance of lived experience in shaping care for seniors and vulnerable groups. Kerry Bales, CEO of Recovery Alberta, said the councils will enhance mental health, addiction and correctional health care by working alongside staff and physicians.
The province is also working to establish an Indigenous Advisory Council, with up to 22 members representing First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. The council will advise on clinical planning, cultural integration, capital projects and workforce development. Members will include Indigenous health care professionals, community leaders and individuals with lived experience.
Alberta’s government says the new regional and Indigenous advisory councils are key steps toward creating a more collaborative and community-informed health system.
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