The City of Airdrie faces scrutiny following revelations that Mayor Peter Brown provided significant assistance to a controversial private health care centre, despite the city’s public claims of non-involvement in its development. This centre, proposed to be Alberta’s first urgent care facility not operated by the government, marks a pivotal move in the United Conservative government’s strategy to privatize health care across the province.
Records obtained from the Investigative Journalism Foundation indicate that Mayor Brown was a hands-on driving force behind the creation of this center. His behind-the-scenes efforts were groundbreaking to its formation. Those emails indicate that he promised assistance in direct opposition to his city’s public stance. The city defines this approach as taking a hands-off approach to the proposal.
On March 28, 2025, Brown organized an unannounced, impromptu press conference in Airdrie. He was unflinching in his pursuit of wrongdoings related to the private health care centre. His participation in this event illustrates the fundamental complexities and potential conflicts of interests at play in this ongoing push to privatize. During the public testimony period, he made clear that the city didn’t promote or enable the proposal. Those released emails paint a different picture.
The opening of the new urgent care centre would be a major political victory for the United Conservative government. This effort would move even more health care services into private hands. Supporters of privatization claim that these steps would increase efficiency and improve service delivery in Alberta’s health care system. Critics counter that elimination of run would greatly hurt accessibility and quality of care. They are concerned that privatization will lead to growing inequities in access to health services.
The issue with Mayor Brown’s participation is a bigger question about transparency and good governance in Airdrie. Local residents have raised some very serious, valid concerns. They are deeply concerned about the potential impact this private facility would have on their community’s health services. Citizens are demanding transparency from city leaders on what role they will play in the project. Then, they want to hear how this engagement fits into their commitment to prioritize public health.
