A message from the 2025 public members of CPSA Council

As the public members of CPSA Council, our role under the Health Professions Act is to represent the public perspective and ensure meaningful representation of Albertans. We are responsible for bringing forward Albertans’ perspectives and considerations of the scenarios they face within the healthcare system, including addressing systemic inequities that impact patient care and access.

By offering diverse perspectives, we help Council remain focused on its North Star: acting in the public interest. Council’s performance is measured by how effectively we fulfill our legislative responsibilities and follow governance best practices. We are honoured to represent the public and value the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Council members as we work together to ensure CPSA consistently serves and protects all Albertans.

As Alberta’s communities grow, so does the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare. This past year, Council supported the significant streamlining of CPSA’s registration pathways, including the new Approved Jurisdiction Route, enabling qualified international medical graduates from comparable jurisdictions to move directly to the General Register while maintaining standards for safe, high-quality care. Additionally, Council streamlined CPSA’s updated Provisional Register requirements by eliminating the high-stakes pass or fail Summative Assessment and introducing competency-based assessments. These changes reduced administrative barriers and allowed qualified physicians to begin practising sooner, supporting healthcare accessibility for Albertans.

Reflecting on 2025, we are confident that CPSA’s hard work and successes demonstrate a strong commitment to the public interest. Through hearings, policy oversight and more, CPSA ensured regulated members remain accountable for the care they provide.