Alberta Minute: Physician Compensation, Foreign Ownership, and Land Transfer Fees
Alberta Minute: Physician Compensation, Foreign Ownership, and Land Transfer Fees
Alberta Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Alberta politics.
This Week In Alberta:
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The Province remains skeptical of the federal pharmacare program, which now covers diabetes medication and birth control under Bill C-64. Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange expressed concern about the lack of a long-term vision and financial support for national pharmacare, emphasizing Alberta's preference for its existing drug coverage programs. She stressed the need for meaningful collaboration with the federal government to avoid duplicating services or creating unnecessary administrative burdens. The federal government aims to reach pharmacare agreements with provinces by spring 2025, but Alberta continues to advocate for predictable and sustainable health funding.
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Alberta nurses are considering a mediator-recommended settlement. The proposed deal includes pay increases ranging from 12% to 22% over four years, along with significant raises for some pay premiums. The United Nurses of Alberta had initially sought a 30% raise over two years, while the government offered 7.5% over four years. The union, representing over 30,000 nurses, had been considering a strike vote before this settlement recommendation. A ratification vote takes place on October 30th.
- Starting October 20th, homebuyers in Alberta will see an increase in fees for land transfers and mortgage registrations. The land transfer fee will rise from $2 to $5 per $5,000 of the purchase price, while the mortgage registration fee will increase from $1.50 to $5 per $5,000 of the mortgage amount. According to the Alberta Real Estate Association, the tax really shouldn't be there in the first place.
Last Week In Alberta:
- The federal government agreed to provide rent relief to help Jasper recover from a devastating wildfire that destroyed one-third of the town and 800 housing units in July. Parks Canada will forgo up to $15.2 million in rental fees for residents, businesses, and the municipality until 2027. Additionally, certain backcountry camping spots and Maligne Road are reopening to encourage tourism in the area.
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The Alberta government has announced a new four-year compensation deal for physicians in training, aimed at retaining and recruiting doctors in the province. The agreement includes wage increases of 3% for each of the first two years and 2% for the last two years. This deal was negotiated between the government, Alberta Health Services, the universities of Alberta and Calgary, and the Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta. It follows the expiration of the previous agreement in June and is part of broader efforts, including a bursary pilot program, to attract medical students and residents to Alberta.
- Some have accused the Alberta government of making it harder for foreign companies to invest in energy infrastructure. While regulations haven't changed, according to lawyers, there has been a stricter interpretation of existing rules, delaying sales of energy assets to foreign buyers for months. Despite concerns, the government maintains there has been no official change in foreign ownership regulations.
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