Health reform and privatization in Alberta

In 2000 the Government of Alberta passed legislation to regulate the activities of private health clinics in the provision of insured health services through contracts with regional health authorities. In seven years the interaction of ideas, interests, institutions, and external events forced the Government of Alberta to move from a non-regulatory policy stance to a policy of stringent regulation. The legislation struck a balance among competing values relating to public and private sector roles, increased access and choice, regulation of the growth of public expenditures, and quality assurance.