If passed, Budget 2026 will make a record investment of $7.7 billion in 2026-27, $1.4 billion or 22 per cent more than Budget 2025, in physician recruitment, training, compensation and development. Family physicians caring for patients with chronic conditions, surgeons performing life-saving procedures and specialist physicians play a critical role in caring for Albertans. This investment helps ensure the province can meet that demand with timely, high-quality care in communities across Alberta.

"Albertans expect to see a doctor when they need one. Access to care is a priority for families across this province. That is why we are making the largest investment in physicians in Alberta's history, backing the doctors who care for our families and taking real action to improve care provincewide."

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

"We're seeing record numbers of physicians moving to Alberta, record surgery volumes and more than 700 family physicians taking new patients. This record funding will help pay for treatments, appointments, services and training so that Albertans can get the care they deserve. This investment in Alberta physicians will support our continued efforts to build a sustainable, modern health care system that delivers better care for Albertans."

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

This record investment builds on Alberta's ongoing efforts to support physicians and the care they provide. In 2025, the government launched a new primary care physician compensation model. Government has provided $200 million over two years to support the transition to the new model and $57 million over three years to help family doctors and nurse practitioners manage their growing patient loads.

As a result of these investments, more physicians are choosing to practise in the province than ever before. Currently, more than 13,000 physicians are registered in Alberta, a 34 per cent increase over the past decade, including an all-time high of 6,362 family physicians. Alberta's government will continue working to ensure doctors are well supported and fairly compensated while building a sustainable, modern health system that delivers high-quality care for all Albertans.

Quick facts

• The $7.7-billion investment in 2026-27 includes $7.3 billion for physician services, $450 million for recruitment and education, and $15 million for other supports.
• There are currently 1,190 physicians enrolled in Alberta's new primary care physician compensation model.
• Government spending on physicians has increased by almost $1.2 billion since 2022-23.

Multimedia

• Watch the news conference