(September 1, 2026) By: Reta Ismail, CTV News London<\/p>\n
Health coalitions across Canada are calling on the federal government to take action to protect the country\u2019s public healthcare system as controversial legislation in Alberta takes effect today.<\/p>\n
The London Health Coalition is among groups participating in a National Day of Action Tuesday, with protesters gathering outside the London office of federal MP Arielle Kayabaga.<\/p>\n
The protests come as Alberta\u2019s Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), takes effect.<\/p>\n
The legislation allows physicians to charge patients for medically necessary healthcare services while also billing the public healthcare system. It also opens the door to private, for-profit health insurance.<\/p>\n
Health coalitions across the country say the changes could lead to a two-tier healthcare system and are calling on the federal government to enforce the Canada Health Act.<\/p>\n
Peter Bergmanis with the London Health Coalition says the federal government has a responsibility to protect Canada\u2019s public healthcare system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe federal government is the guardian of our national healthcare system,\u201d Bergmanis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re saying you have the right to enforce it. So, by that, start enforcing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bergmanis says allowing for-profit health insurance in one province could lead to similar changes elsewhere, including Ontario.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it opens up the for-profit health insurance industry in one province, it is inevitable that it will happen in other provinces, and in Ontario is poised to do just that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The National Day of Action includes protests in communities across Canada, including several in Ontario.<\/p>\n