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Albertans can currently access preventative health testing services at no cost following a referral from a provider such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Such a referral is also currently required to access services at private diagnostic imaging clinics.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney has been largely silent in response to claims that Alberta’s plans will run afoul of the Canada Health Act and threaten public access to health care.

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His office deferred a request for comment from Postmedia to that of Health Minister Marjorie Michel, who provided a statement saying the federal government’s focus is to protect the integrity of the public health care system and ensure all Canadians can receive care without having to pay for it.

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“We have taken a collaborative approach with all provinces and territories, including Alberta, that respects their jurisdiction to explore innovative ways to improve access and care while protecting the public, universal health care system,” it reads.

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“A collaborative approach between our governments has always produced strong results for all Albertans and we will continue to work in that direction.”

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Alberta Opposition primary and preventative health services critic Sharif Haji said in a statement the new plan will leave those unable to pay waiting even longer than they currently do.

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“Albertans are already struggling with the affordability crisis, and many families simply can’t afford to pay out of pocket for essential health care,” he said.

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“This will only drive wait times higher and force more people to live in pain and suffering while they wait for the care they need.”

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In response to the order in council outlining the changes published last week, public health advocacy group the Friends of Medicare said the changes pave the way for two-tier, American-style health care.

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“The majority of Canadians believe that everyone deserves timely access to quality public health care when they need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Yet Alberta’s government seems intent on ignoring those voices, while doubling-down on failed privatization, bolstering a private insurance industry and constructing more barriers to access,” said the group’s director, Chris Gallaway.

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The Alberta Medical Association also spoke out against the government’s plan, with president Dr. Brian Wirzba saying he was concerned the new testing policies will further burden the public system.

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“This is not going to address the problems that we have with access,” Wirzba told Postmedia last April, soon after the legislation setting out the changes was introduced.

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“This is being sold as something to improve access, but we are very concerned that this will actually further burden the public system.”

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— with files from Cindy Tran

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