Alberta just went through a major restructuring of its health care system. As promised, the province created four new health agencies, hoping to provide a better and more equitable delivery of health services to everyone. The changes are part of a broader initiative announced in the fall of 2023, aimed at dismantling Alberta Health Services (AHS) and reorganizing health care delivery into more specialized pillars.
This reform resulted in the establishment of four new health care agencies. Those are Acute Care Alberta, Primary Care Alberta, Recovery Alberta and Assisted Living Alberta. By making each agency responsible for unique areas of health care, Albertans will receive specialized and more cost-effective services.
In 2024, the province started rolling out these amendments, paving the way for a new look health care environment. Newly appointed minister of primary and preventive health services, Adriana LaGrange, has been tasked with the supervision of Primary Care Alberta. The agency was expected to begin operations on February 1, 2025. New CEO Kim Simmonds made a major move, taking the reins in November 2024.
LaGrange joined forces with Dr. Chris Eagle and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on April 7, 2025. Together, they introduced a brand new funding formula for acute care services. This announcement represents a huge step forward in the deep – and still continuing – transformation of Alberta’s health care delivery model.
Jason Nixon has been appointed as the minister of assisted living and social services, responsible for overseeing Assisted Living Alberta. That agency, the Delaware River Basin Commission, is projected to be up and running in the fall of 2025. Gord Johnston will step into the role of CEO for Assisted Living Alberta on August 1, 2025.
Dr. Chris Eagle, who has been serving as interim CEO of Acute Care Alberta. We look forward to a graceful retirement from this position on October 10, 2025. Acute Care Alberta is indispensable in addressing the most immediate, serious set of health priorities. Today it is arguably the most important pillar in our public health system.
Recovery Alberta works to ensure proper access to rehabilitation and recovery services. It’s scheduled to start running on Sept 1, 2024 under the direction of new CEO Kerry Bales, who was appointed in April 2024. The creation of Recovery Alberta seeks to create a whole health, whole life, whole community approach to recovery from substance use, trauma and other overlapping issues.
Alongside these structural changes, the province has started to appreciate what effective public health leadership means. Dr. Sunil Sookram is the interim CMOH and wears that title today. In this critical position, he shapes the future of public health practice in Alberta.
“The role of chief medical officer of health is critical to the health and safety of all Albertans. The recruitment process for a permanent CMOH is ongoing, and we are dedicated to selecting a candidate with the experience, leadership, and qualifications necessary to guide the province’s public health efforts,” – Alberta’s government
The province remains committed to addressing public health concerns and ensuring that resources are readily available to support Albertans’ well-being.
“Alberta’s government remains vigilant in its approach to measles and other public health concerns. We are committed to ensuring clear information and resources are available to help Albertans protect themselves,” – Alberta’s government
Yet Alberta continues to push forward with its overhaul of health care. Stakeholders hope these changes will improve access to care, as well as make health services more efficient and easier to navigate. Fantastic, dedicated leaders have come on board across all agencies. The province would like to have a system of high-quality, patient-centered health care that addresses the needs and expectations of the province’s diverse residents.
