OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ -- The results are clear from Monday's referendum vote. Albertans have sent a clear message: they want Canada's health care system protected and strengthened, not divided.
Voters were asked if they support amending the Constitution "to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs... such as health care... without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs?" A majority of Alberta voters said, "No."
Albertans chose to stand for care that is protected and supported by the Canada Health Act. The result should serve as a call to the federal government to uphold the Act and protect patients from policies that reduce, limit or impact access to care. Any measure that prioritizes cash for care is offside with the clear choice Albertans made.
Canadians should have access to the care they need, not just the care they can afford. That is the Canadian health care system Albertans voted to protect, and Canada's doctors are proud to deliver.
Working together, federal, provincial, and territorial governments can strengthen what's already working, and scale proven innovations across the country so every Canadian benefits from shorter wait times, better access, and care they can count on.
Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi
CMA President
About the CMA
The Canadian Medical Association leads a national movement with physicians who believe in a better future of health. Our ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy. We drive change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing – guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Association
To schedule an interview or for further information, please contact: CMA Media Relations: [email protected]; Yuliya Arutyunyan, 514-475-9732; Eric Lewis, 506-566-1671
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