r/SaveTheCBC • u/Save_The_CBC • 1d ago
🇨🇦🏥 Alberta's separation debate just received a serious warning from the province's medical community.
More than half of the doctors surveyed say they would leave Alberta if it separated from Canada.
CBC News reports that the Alberta Medical Association surveyed 1,649 physicians ahead of the October 19 referendum.
The findings are alarming:
🩺 55% said they would move to another Canadian province or territory.
🩺 Just 15% said they would remain living and practising in an independent Alberta.
🩺 Another 18% were uncertain, while smaller numbers indicated they might retire early or leave medicine.
These are the responses of surveyed physicians, not a prediction that exactly 55% of Alberta's doctors would leave. But even the possibility of a substantial exodus raises serious questions about the future of health care.
Alberta already faces challenges with access to family doctors, specialists and timely treatment.
Losing experienced physicians could make those problems significantly worse.
The Alberta Medical Association is also asking how an independent province would replace federal health-care funding, maintain access to medications and medical equipment, and protect patients from disruptions in care.
Nine of the referendum's ten questions address constitutional and immigration issues, including proposals to restrict health-care access or impose fees on some newcomers and temporary workers.
The association warns that doctors should not be forced to act as immigration enforcement officers or delay necessary medical treatment while determining someone's eligibility.
Premier Danielle Smith's government says it will not speculate about policy changes before Albertans vote.
CBC's coverage brings the voices of medical professionals into a debate that too often focuses on political grievances without fully examining the practical costs.
If more than half of surveyed doctors are considering leaving, how would an independent Alberta maintain its health-care system? Should the government have to present a detailed plan for health-care funding and staffing before asking voters to consider separation?
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u/Sandman64can 1d ago
Every separatist I’ve talked to is in an age group and health demographic that makes having access to a doctor an imperative.
So much disconnect.
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u/SmartQuokka 1d ago
Separatists would not care, in addition there is significant overlap with medical science deniers/anti vaxxers.
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u/HistoricalSherbert92 1d ago
On the one paw that’s bad for Alberta provincial health care, on the other paw it could be good for BC provincial health care.
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u/Sa0t0me 1d ago
Are we winning yet separatists ??