About 50 rally in Red Deer over Bill 11 as law takes effect Sept. 1
Demonstrators outside MP Burton Bailey's office urged federal intervention on the day Alberta's Health Statutes Amendment Act came into force.
Why it matters
The rally highlights a growing dispute over whether Alberta's health law complies with the Canada Health Act, with implications for how care is delivered and paid for across the province.
Around 50 people gathered outside Red Deer Conservative MP Burton Bailey's office on Sept. 1 as part of coordinated rallies held across Canada, organized in Alberta by Friends of Medicare. The demonstrations called on federal MPs to press Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to denounce Alberta's Bill 11, formally known as the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, which took effect that day.
Lawrence Hrycan, a Friends of Medicare volunteer who spoke at the Red Deer rally, argued the legislation introduces an American-style dual practice system that would let wealthier patients access faster care while others face long waits. He said the province and coalitions across the country believe Bill 11 violates the Canada Health Act, and noted the federal government has not acted in the nine months since the bill passed Alberta's legislature.
Hrycan also urged residents to consider Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, saying nine of its questions could affect health and education rights for people who came from abroad to work in the province's health system.
MP Bailey, who also spoke with rdnewsNOW, acknowledged Canada's health care system has inefficiencies but defended Bill 11, preferring the term 'dual practice' over 'two-tiered.' He pointed to Alberta's $32-billion health budget, noted federal transfers cover about 20 per cent of it, and cited a Delburne ambulatory care facility as an example of expanded services the law would allow doctors to provide.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.