CYR: Setting the record straight on Covenant Health and Alberta’s Healthcare System

Recent media reports have raised concerns about Alberta’s healthcare system, particularly regarding the role of Covenant Health and claims that the province is moving toward privatization. These claims are not only misleading but, in some cases, appear to be deliberately deceptive.

First and foremost, Covenant Health is not a new, for-profit entity. It has a long, storied history in Alberta, dating back to 1859 when the first Grey Nuns arrived in the region. The Grey Nuns of Montreal established the foundation for healthcare services that have served Albertans for generations. The Misericordia Hospital, founded in 1900 by the Congregation of the Sisters of Misericorde, further cemented this legacy. These institutions have been part of Alberta’s healthcare landscape long before Alberta even became a province.

Facilities like the Bonnyville Health Centre, Grey Nuns, and Misericordia hospitals are all part of Covenant Health. These hospitals have been integral to our communities for over a century, providing care with compassion and excellence. Covenant Health operates under the Covenant Health Act, a framework that has been in place for many years, ensuring the organization’s commitment to serving Albertans within a public healthcare system.

The recent decision by the Alberta government to transition Covenant Health’s funding directly under the Ministry of Health, rather than through Alberta Health Services (AHS), is a move to reduce bureaucracy and streamline operations. This change will enhance efficiency and ensure that these trusted institutions continue to deliver the high-quality care they are known for. It is essential to understand that Covenant Health will continue to operate as a not-for-profit, faith-based organization within the public healthcare system. 

Any suggestion that Alberta is moving toward a private healthcare system is simply incorrect. In fact, these claims are, in some instances, being spread with the intent to mislead the public for political gain. Alberta’s healthcare system remains publicly funded, and the government is committed to ensuring that every Albertan receives the care they need, where and when they need it.

It is crucial for us to focus on the facts and recognize the longstanding role of Covenant Health in Alberta. By eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, we are strengthening our healthcare system, not privatizing it.