November 9, 2026 | Advocacy & Policy
The Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA), representing more than 36,000 nursing students nationwide, has formally called on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Adriana LaGrange to repeal provisions of Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), enabling two-tier health care.
In letters sent on November 9, 2026, CNSA raised serious concerns about the potential consequences of expanding privately financed health care for equitable access to services, nursing workforce sustainability, clinical education, and the future of nursing practice in Alberta.
CNSA emphasized that privatization does not create additional nurses or physicians. Instead, it risks increasing competition for an already strained health care workforce, potentially affecting staffing levels, the availability of clinical instructors and preceptors, clinical placement opportunities, and employment prospects for new graduates.
The letters also highlighted preliminary feedback gathered from nursing students across Alberta between October 15 and November 3, 2026. Students expressed growing concerns about clinical staffing, placement stability, their future careers, and the lack of meaningful consultation on health care reforms. Some students also reported reconsidering whether to remain in Alberta to practise nursing.
Although these preliminary findings are not representative of all Alberta nursing students, CNSA emphasized the importance of listening to future health professionals before today's concerns become tomorrow's workforce crisis.
CNSA's Four Calls to Action
CNSA has formally urged the Government of Alberta to:
Repeal provisions enabling two-tier health care: Repeal Bill 11's provisions enabling dual practice and privately financed medically necessary surgical services, and suspend further dual-practice approvals.
Protect equitable access to care: Reject further expansion of privately financed medically necessary services and safeguard Alberta's publicly funded health care system.
Strengthen the nursing workforce: Reinvest in public health care, prioritizing nursing retention, new-graduate employment, clinical placement capacity, and support for clinical instructors and preceptors.
Ensure meaningful student consultation: Include nursing students and nursing organizations in health policy decisions and publicly assess the implications of Bill 11 for workforce sustainability and clinical education.
Nursing Students Speak Out
“When over 36,000 nursing students, Alberta’s nurses, and national nursing organizations speak with one voice, it should not be ignored. This is about the kind of healthcare system Albertans deserve.”
— Edelaine Severino Alejandro
Official Delegate, CNSA MacEwan University Chapter
“The decisions being made in Alberta today will shape the health care system that our generation of nurses will inherit. Nursing students across Canada stand in solidarity with Alberta’s nurses, students, and communities. We are united in our commitment to a publicly funded health care system where access is determined by clinical need, not the ability to pay. We are calling for a future where nurses are supported, patients receive equitable care, and the voices of future health professionals are heard and respected. The future of nursing and the future of public health care are inseparable, and we have a responsibility to protect both.”
— Scarlett Sanabria-Ramos
National President, Canadian Nursing Students’ Association
CNSA recognizes the advocacy of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), and Friends of Medicare in raising concerns about the expansion of privately financed health care.
As part of its formal correspondence, CNSA has requested a written response from the Alberta government within 30 days and an opportunity to meet with the Minister's office to discuss the legislation's implications for nursing students and the health care workforce.
Nursing students across Canada stand in solidarity with Alberta's nurses, students, health care professionals, and communities advocating for accessible, equitable, and publicly funded health care.
The next generation of nurses deserves a meaningful voice in decisions shaping the health care system they will inherit and the patients they will one day serve.