Residents of British Columbia, particularly those near the provincial border, can once again access scheduled surgeries in Alberta, reducing the distance they need to travel for care.

This is thanks to a partnership between B.C. and Alberta that took effect Sunday, March 1.

“This partnership between our two provinces showcases how interconnected our communities are,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This is great news, especially for people living close to the Alberta border, who will now be able to access surgical care closer to home. We are grateful to our neighbours in Alberta and look forward to working together to strengthen health care access in our province.”

Partnership between jurisdictions means commitment to timely care

Many B.C. and Alberta residents regularly cross provincial borders for work, school, family or leisure. That is why both provinces are committed to ensuring health care follows people.

“Alberta is proud to renew this partnership with British Columbia to help ensure patients living near our shared border can access timely surgical care, closer to home,” said Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services. “By working together, Alberta and British Columbia are putting patients first by streamlining the patient journey and expanding surgical access.”

Patients can speak with their primary care provider to learn more about having their scheduled surgery done in Alberta. They will require an Alberta-based physician to accept them for consultation and care as part of the referral process. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to putting patients first and making health care more responsive to the needs of people in both provinces.

The governments of British Columbia and Alberta are continuing to work together to make health care more accessible and portable for people who live, work and travel between the two provinces.