Could ATA’s compensation model be the answer for province’s doctors?

By Letter to the Editor on August 12, 2020.

The Alberta Medical Association should seriously consider the compensation model for Alberta teachers for its profession.

The salaries are the highest in northern Canada according to Statistics Canada, a range from $ 59,500 to $94,100 (2017 – 2018). Beginning teachers will receive an annual increment estimated at four to six per cent for eight consecutive years, or more.

Benefits will be at least 20 per cent of the gross salary, including a defined-benefit pension plan and group insurance. Professional development days are provided during weekdays and at full salary.

Retirement is possible after age 55 with at least 30 years of experience and with a government-guaranteed pension about 70 per cent of the highest salary. CPP benefits are payable at age 65. 

Various leaves of absence with pay should include vacation for at least two months. Time off should be scheduled on the weekends and/or weekdays.

The government should exempt the profession from any malpractice litigation. Tenure should also be made available for qualifying doctors. Hours of work and the number of patients per shift should be negotiable.

The AMA and the Ministry of Health should be able to negotiate reasonable salaries and benefits for the different disciplines. The government has considerable experience in order to cover the costs of incurred practice overheads.

This new approach should convince Alberta doctors that their current model is replaceable, and what is good for Alberta teachers should be good for Alberta doctors.

Larry Samcoe

Medicine Hat

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