Alberta’s government is working to ensure every resident has access to the primary care services they need. With a focus on regions with limited access to care, the new centres will serve as hubs for services in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
The centres will increase access to primary care providers – such as physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists – while easing pressure on emergency departments and urgent care centres by providing convenient, day-to-day health care services under one roof.
“We are committed to making primary health care more accessible. Advancing plans for new primary care centres will make it easier for all people in Alberta, including Indigenous Peoples, to access day-to-day services in every corner of the province to improve health outcomes and patient experiences.”
This $20-million investment will determine the project scope, locations and costs needed to guide future capital decisions. Alberta’s government is taking an integrated approach to health system planning that responds to local needs and priorities.
“Planning is one of the most essential parts of the construction process. Our team at Alberta Infrastructure is proud to partner with Alberta Health to ensure communities get the specific health projects they need on time, on budget and close to home.”
Alberta’s government is committed to improving Indigenous health care and programs to support better health outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Alberta. Several of the new primary care centres will support Indigenous communities by prioritizing the delivery of high-quality, timely and culturally appropriate care in collaboration with Indigenous partners. Budget 2025 is also investing $45 million for Indigenous health initiatives over three years to help address health inequities and promote health and wellness.
“Improving access to culturally appropriate health care for Indigenous communities across the province demonstrates our government-wide commitment to working alongside Indigenous Peoples and communities in support of meaningful reconciliation. My colleagues at Health are working closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to identify and support Indigenous-led programs and services that make a meaningful difference in their communities. We know we have more work to do, and we aren’t slowing down.”
In 2024, the government introduced seven regional health corridors that reflect how Albertans access care and travel to receive services. These corridors, shaped by travel data and public engagement, are informing planning decisions and will help identify where the new primary care centres are most needed.
“This investment will support Primary Care Alberta’s ongoing work to build a stronger, more unified primary care system – one that puts patients first, supports our front-line teams and brings care to where people are. By expanding access to primary care in rural and remote communities, we will improve access to primary care services for Albertans previously underserved by the health care system.”
These investments lay the groundwork for a stronger, more accessible primary care system that meets the needs of all Albertans – today and for generations to come.
Quick facts
- There are more than 12,000 registered physicians and more than 68,000 regulated nurses delivering health care services in Alberta.
- Primary Care Alberta’s priorities are to:
- Ensure every Albertan has access to high-quality primary care services across the province.
- Incentivize care models that improve health outcomes and prioritize patient experience.
- Support integrated teams of family physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives and pharmacists to provide the best care possible.
Related information
Related news
- New pay model, better access to family doctors (Dec. 19, 2024)
- Nurse practitioners expand primary care access (Nov. 20, 2024)
- Leading primary care into the future (Oct. 15, 2024)