National survey seeks Albertans’ input on family doctor access and healthcare priorities to shape the future of Canada’s primary care system.
National Survey Seeks Alberta Voices on Healthcare Gaps
A new Canada-wide survey is inviting Albertans to share their experiences with primary healthcare, aiming to better understand and address gaps in access to family doctors and nurse practitioners. The effort is part of a continued initiative to shape reforms based on real patient voices.
Background of the Initiative
The survey follows a comprehensive study conducted between 2022 and 2024 by a team of researchers behind the “OurCare” initiative. That earlier project engaged nearly 10,000 Canadians and revealed that more than 20% lacked access to consistent primary care. The findings helped form a 72-page report offering a framework for national primary care reform.
Renewed Focus on Regional Differences
The latest survey is designed to explore how experiences have evolved and to compare them across provinces and territories. Dr. Tara Kiran, a Toronto-based family physician and the project’s lead, said Alberta’s underrepresentation in the first round has prompted a focused outreach to boost participation in the province.
“The region you live in strongly determines your access to care,” said Kiran. “We want Albertans to describe their reality so it can inform better policies and improvements in the system.”
Exploring Everyday Care Challenges
The questionnaire asks participants whether they have a regular care provider, how quickly they can get appointments, and what alternative services they use when timely care isn’t available. Other questions assess language accessibility, cultural comfort, and the level of involvement patients have in their care planning.
“These are things Canadians told us matter,” Kiran explained. “Now we want to see how those priorities are being met in practice.”
Alberta’s Role in National Reform
Calgary-based family physician Dr. Janet Reynolds emphasized the value of public input in the current healthcare reform landscape. “This is one of the few opportunities for everyday people to shape what happens next,” she said, highlighting the importance of comparing Alberta’s progress with other provinces.
With the recent launch of Primary Care Alberta—an agency overseeing healthcare delivery as part of the province’s broader system overhaul—the timing is ideal, Reynolds added. Alberta has also introduced a new compensation model for doctors and nurse practitioners in a bid to improve access.
Why Participation Matters Now
Healthcare leaders say the survey data will provide critical insights for governments, clinics, and community health organizations. The more Albertans who participate, the more accurately the results will reflect their needs and inform future policy.
“This is a chance to be heard,” Reynolds said. “And we can’t fix the system unless we understand the problems from the patient’s perspective.”
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