Promoting and protecting the health of the public through advocacy, partnerships and education |
Public Health Issues
The Alberta Public Health Association (APHA) is very concerned by the Alberta government’s decision to restrict no-cost access to COVID-19 vaccine to only the highest-risk groups, while requiring most Albertans—including seniors and frontline workers—to pay out-of-pocket for immunization.
The impact of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, on public health demand effective and equitable responses to minimize health, societal and economic impacts. One of the most critical tools in combating communicable diseases is universal access to vaccination.
While fiscal responsibility and efforts to reduce COVID-19 vaccine wastage are important, public health decisions must prioritize equitable access, disease prevention, and collective protection. COVID-19 continues to pose a serious threat to health and health systems, particularly for disadvantaged communities and groups. Universal access to vaccination remains one of the most effective and efficient tools to fostering community immunity and reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, the adverse and long-term health impact of communicable diseases as well as reducing health systems costs to manage and treat communicable diseases such as COVID-19.
The APHA is particularly concerned about the following:
- The introduction of user fees for COVID-19 vaccination for Albertans aged 65 and older, who face a higher risk of severe outcomes.
- COVID-19 vaccines will not be available at pharmacies or primary care clinics, limiting access for rural communities and others who rely on these providers for seasonal vaccination.
- Exclusion of certain high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, pregnant individuals, individuals in or from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, and members of racialized and other equity-denied communities as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
- COVID-19 vaccines will only be available at a cost for the general population. This may undermine public trust and uptake.
- The suggestion that last year’s vaccine wastage is justification for restricting access. Over-ordering, inadequate forecasting, and minimal public communication promoting COVID-19 vaccines, should not justify introducing barriers to vaccination.
The APHA urges the Government of Alberta to:
1) Restore universally accessible, publicly funded COVID-19 immunization for all residents.
2) Provide transparent, clear and consistent communication on vaccine access and the importance of vaccination.
3) Provide leadership and uphold immunization as a core public health function.
Public Health Issues
Joint Statement: Bill 55 – A Call for Transparent, Evidence-Based Reform
The Alberta Public Health Association (APHA) and the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) are concerned about Alberta’s Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 55), which consolidates control over public health under the direct authority of the provincial government. The bill moves Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) and public health inspectors from Alberta Health Services (AHS) to Alberta Health, while transferring communicable disease control and other critical public health activities to a newly created agency, Primary Care Alberta.
While we recognize the need for improved coordination and efficiency in health service delivery, CPHA and APHA caution that the changes in Bill 55 risk undermining the effectiveness, integrity, and independence of public health in Alberta.
Ensuring Effectiveness Through Public Health Stakeholder Engagement
These sweeping reforms appear to have been introduced with minimal direct consultation with public health leaders, health professionals, or affected communities. A policy shift of this magnitude requires transparent dialogue and evidence-based planning that can be provided by public health stakeholders.
Maintaining the Integrity of Public Health
Public health requires the ability to act quickly and impartially, particularly during health emergencies. The current model, which grants MOHs a degree of operational independence, is essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring science-based decision-making. Centralizing public health roles directly under ministerial authority creates the potential for political interference, weakening the ability of MOHs to communicate risk and act in the public’s best interest. To address this, the Alberta government should establish a leadership structure that connects MOHs to the full range of public health functions across the newly created agencies, ensuring that public health voices remain central to decision-making. Additionally, there should be allowances for MOHs to maintain, and strengthen, relationships with municipalities and other stakeholders in order to effectively improve and protect population health.
Reducing Fragmentation of Public Health Functions
APHA and CPHA are also concerned about the decision to shift responsibility for key public health functions to Primary Care Alberta. Public health relies on community-based, integrated, and coordinated approaches that span surveillance, disease prevention, health promotion, health protection, and emergency response. Fragmenting these functions into an already overburdened primary care system risks reducing the coherence and effectiveness of the public health system, potentially leading to gaps in response, loss of institutional knowledge, and slower containment of public health threats. Furthermore, fragmentation of public health functions raises concerns about medical oversight and support for the functions moving to Primary Care Alberta, which is typically a role filled by MOHs as medical experts in public health and preventive medicine.
APHA and CPHA Recommend the Province of Alberta:
- Engage meaningfully with public health professionals, Indigenous health leaders, frontline providers, and communities to design reforms that truly meet Albertans’ needs.
- Prioritize transparent, timely, and consistent communication about the goals, processes, and anticipated impacts of these reforms to build public trust and foster collaboration with public health stakeholders.
- Preserve the integrity of MOHs by establishing clear legislative safeguards that protect their ability to act based on science and public health best practices.
- Maintain the integrity of public health functions within a strong, integrated public health system that is designed to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats with coherence and accountability.
At a time when public trust in health institutions is fragile there is a need for a coordinated, science-driven public health system.
Events7th International Global Network of Public Health Nursing (GNPHN) Conference: Building Resilience and Innovative Solutions: Amplifying Impact and Advancing Positive Global Public Health Change Registration is now open for the 7th International GNPHN Conference: Building Resilience and Innovative Solutions: Amplifying Impact and Advancing Positive Global Public Health Change. This conference will bring together public health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and experts from around the world to explore innovative solutions and strategies aimed at enhancing global public health outcomes. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and build collaborations that will shape the future of public health. Keynote Speakers for the event include:
Dates: July 28-30, 2025 Location: University of Calgary campus This event is jointly hosted by the Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University, with the support of Tourism Calgary. Register early and secure your spot for this impactful event! For more information visit the conference website. |
Opportunities
Public Health Association of British Columbia 2025 Summer Institute
The Public Health Association of British Columbia is proud to host the 2025 Summer Institute, a virtual event that will explore what it means to build a Wellbeing Society, a society that prioritizes people, planet, and future generations.
Inspired by the World Health Organization’s Geneva Charter for Wellbeing (2022), the Summer Institute is designed for public health professionals, researchers, academics, policymakers, and advocates. The event will offer more than dialogue—it will be a space for strategic thinking, systems exploration, and cross-sector collaboration. Through keynote presentations, facilitated discussions, and interactive sessions, the event will explore how public health can lead the way in creating communities that are just, regenerative, and grounded in wellbeing.
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Registration: Click here to register
Why Public Health MattersThe Alberta Public Heath Association works to support, champion, and protect public health. We are working to highlight issues that underscore the importance of prioritizing Public Health during these challenging times of limited public health resources, healthcare system reorganization and divisive public health discourse. Learn more about why Public Health matters: What is Public Health and why should we care about it What has Public Health done for me? The health of Albertans 1924 to today Public Health and First Nation Albertans: A call for collaboration |
Become an APHA MemberWe need your help! Become a member and help strengthen the voice of public health in Alberta. The Alberta Public Health Association (APHA) is a provincial volunteer-driven, not-for-profit association representing public health in Alberta and is Alberta’s only independent public health voice. We have a voluntary membership representing a variety of disciplines including practitioners, students, academics and researchers, non-government organizations, community members and more. Why join the APHA Public health in Alberta is facing many challenges including a lack of capacity, limited resources, health services reorganization, and a divisive public health policy environment. A strong public health voice matters more than ever in these difficult times. As an independent non-profit organization that transcends professional roles and sectors, the APHA plays an essential role in championing, protecting, and supporting public health in Alberta. However, the challenges faced by public health have impacted the essential role that APHA plays. We are looking for dedicated members to help us strengthen the voice of public health in Alberta. |
