Better outcomes for Albertans

A final set of mandate letters from Premier Danielle Smith directs government ministers to prioritize access to health care and skilled labour, when and where Albertans need it.

Letters to the ministers of Health, Mental Health and Addiction, Indigenous Relations, Infrastructure, Advanced Education, and Skilled Trades and Professions outline actions the Alberta government will take to improve access to health care and mental health services, promote careers in the skilled trades, continue building strong relationships with Indigenous Peoples and deliver on key infrastructure projects for Albertans.

“Alberta has the best front-line health workers in the world, but the challenges facing our health-care system mean Albertans aren’t getting the care they need when and where they need it. That changes now. From recruiting more front-line staff to improving emergency services and clearing surgical backlogs, our government will work to ensure Albertans in all communities receive the prompt and efficient health care they expect and deserve,” Smith said.

Key actions outlined in the letters include:

• Improving the delivery of health care to Albertans by improving emergency medical services response times, decreasing surgical wait times and addressing staffing shortages so that Albertans can access the health care they need when and where they need it.

• Further developing Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of care for mental health and addiction, and expanding access for young people struggling with severe mental illness.

• Advocating and championing the skilled trades and professions, and working to increase spaces in high-demand programs at Alberta’s colleges and universities.

• Continuing to strengthen relationships between Alberta’s government and Indigenous Peoples in Alberta and work toward reconciliation.

Premier Smith went on to say, “Highly trained health-care workers and access to skilled labour is essential to Albertans’ well-being and to our ability to build our economy today and for the future. That is why I have directed our ministers to focus on expanding education in medical programs and other high-demand areas, and to actively promote careers in the skilled trades. By focusing on these areas, we can train and attract top-tier talent to our health system and our workforce, and build on our growing economic momentum.”

Each minister has now received their mandate letter, aligned with the four key areas that are most important to Albertans: addressing the affordability crisis, standing up for Alberta’s interests, continuing to grow and diversify the economy, and ensuring health care is there for Albertans when and where they need it.