Alberta’s provincial government has proposed a record $7.7-billion investment in physician funding for 2026-27, a $1.4-billion or 22 per cent increase over the previous year, as part of Budget 2026.
The funding targets physician recruitment, training, compensation and development across the province, pending budget approval.
The $7.7-billion total breaks down to $7.3 billion for physician services, $450 million for recruitment and education, and $15 million for other supports.
“Albertans expect to see a doctor when they need one,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “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.”
Growing physician workforce
More than 13,000 physicians are currently registered in Alberta, a 34 per cent increase over the past decade, according to the provincial government. The province also reports an all-time high of 6,362 family physicians, with more than 700 currently accepting new patients.
Government spending on physicians has increased by nearly $1.2 billion since 2022-23.
New compensation model underway
In 2025, the Alberta government launched a new primary care physician compensation model. The province has committed $200 million over two years to support the transition, along with $57 million over three years to help family doctors and nurse practitioners manage growing patient loads. Currently, 1,190 physicians are enrolled in the new model.
“We’re seeing record numbers of physicians moving to Alberta, record surgery volumes and more than 700 family physicians taking new patients,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “This record funding will help pay for treatments, appointments, services and training so that Albertans can get the care they deserve.”
