Alberta Health Care Insurance Amendment Act
Alberta's Bill 26 (Alberta Health Care Insurance Amendment Act) is the Smith UCP government's 2024 statute restricting publicly funded medical care for transgender minors under age 16 (puberty blockers and hormone therapy require parental consent and provincial assessment review; gender-affirming surgery prohibited under age 18). Parallel to similar legislation in some US states and the UK's Cass Review of 2024. The legislation has triggered legal challenges by Egale Canada and other LGBTQ+ rights groups under Charter section 7 (life, liberty, security of person) and section 15 (equality), with the Alberta Court of King's Bench hearing scheduled for 2025. The Alberta Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta have raised clinical-care concerns.
Status
Quick learn
Lets a wider range of medically necessary services be delivered through publicly funded private clinics in Alberta, with the patient paying nothing at the point of care. Critics argue this stretches Canada Health Act compliance; the UCP government argues it cuts wait times.
Issues this bill touches
- Healthcare
Lets more medically necessary services be delivered through publicly funded private clinics in Alberta. Critics argue it pressures the Canada Health Act.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - In committee
Reviewed clause by clause by a standing committee; amendments possible.
View source
Sponsored by
Danielle SmithUCPOfficial source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada