Provincial health care aids to be regulated in 2026

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on July 19, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees has expressed optimism regarding the governments decision by to regulate health care aides, a first for any province in Canada.

The announcement regarding the new regulation was made on July 16, stating that, effective February 2 2026, health care aides in Alberta will be regulated under a professional college.

All seeking to use the title while offering public-facing services will be required to meet a list of requirements, and register with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta. All registered aides will be required to renew their practice permits on an annual basis.

The move was made, according to Alberta’s government, to give Albertans greater confidence that the care they receive is safe and health care aides have the proper training and oversight.

The profession makes up nearly 20,000 AUPE members, who perform a variety of professional front-line services for Albertans in their role.

AUPE Vice-President Bonnie Gostola, who is a health care aide, said that she believes this is a positive step forward for all those working in the profession.

“Health care aides deliver high-quality services throughout our health care system,” said Gostola. “From hospitals to assisted living and everything in-between, health care aides are at the heart of health care.”

This change reflects the level of professionalism and care that health care aides provide to those in their care, said Gostola, and she also hopes that this suggests positive things in regards to outcomes for collective bargaining.

“AUPE members are bargaining for the wages and benefits they have earned, as well as the public services all Albertans deserve,” said Gostola. “Health care aides need raises and working conditions that reflect their value and professionalism, which is supported by the province’s decision to place them under a regulatory college.”

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