Province commits $34 million toward Indigenous health-care improvements

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 21, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

The government of Alberta announced new targeted investments Friday intended to improve health outcomes for Indigenous people across the province.

The new budget contains a proposed $34 million to strengthen primary care initiatives and programs specifically designed to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Alberta.

Almost $16 million in 2026-27 is budgeted to compensate more than 95 physicians to provide culturally appropriate care for Indigenous patients in 18 communities, including Edmonton and Calgary.

Another $16 million will fund programs delivered by the Indigenous Health Division of Primary and Preventative Health Services. Funded services will include support for 17 Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations to recruit and retain navigators who help patients access primary care, social services and other health supports.

“These investments are about making sure Indigenous patients and families can access care that is respectful, culturally appropriate and close to home. We are strengthening community-led supports and improving access to primary care across Alberta,” said Minister of primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange.

An additional $2.9 million will fund Indigenous-led initiatives focused on prevention and early detection like cancer screening and diabetes virtual care.

“As co-chair, I saw firsthand the dedication of Indigenous leaders, government and health professionals working to shape a system that truly serves First Nations, Métis and Intuit patients,” said Indigenous Primary Health Care Panel co-chair Dr. Tyler White.

The Indigenous Primary Health Care Panel is part of the Modernization Alberta’s Primary Health Care System, or MAPS, initiative.

“These investments are a direct result of that partnership, and they will make a real difference in communities across Alberta.”

This investment is part of a total budget of $12.7 billion for primary and preventative health care in Budget 2026.

This budget represents a 13.2 per cent increase, or $1.5 billion, over 2025.

13
-12