A message from the 2024 public members of CPSA Council

As the public members of CPSA Council, we bring diverse perspectives to the Council table. While regulated members of CPSA Council share their medical training and healthcare expertise, we have the privilege of highlighting the patient perspective. We bring expertise and experience from a wide range of backgrounds, including leadership, engineering, teaching, finance and public service. As indicated within the Health Professions Act, the representation we provide is a meaningful way for Council to consider the perspectives of Albertans and the scenarios faced within the healthcare system. The diverse backgrounds of our public and regulated members are essential in helping us achieve our shared goal of protecting all patients in Alberta.

With the healthcare system undergoing significant changes and a shortage of primary care providers, we understand that patients often feel overwhelmed and lost when accessing care. Through publishing resources and improving processes, CPSA continues to build support for Albertans, helping them feel confident in the quality of care they receive. This past year, CPSA published two new Advice to Albertans documents to help support patients in understanding their rights and what to expect when entering or ending a physician-patient relationship. Similarly, CPSA continues to look for ways to streamline the registration process for international medical graduates to address the shortage of primary care providers.

Our role as public members of CPSA Council is both a tremendous privilege and an immense responsibility. We are committed to continuing our Truth and Reconciliation journey and working towards ensuring all patients, including all First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Treaty 6, 7 and 8 Territories, receive health care free from discrimination. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent fellow members of the public, and it is a rewarding experience to collaborate with all Council members to ensure CPSA continues to act in the public interest.