Premier Danielle Smith speaks at a press conference in Calgary on Monday, July 27, 2026 regarding diagnostic health services in Alberta. Brent Calver/Postmedia Photo by Brent Calver /Postmedia

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Every Albertan deserves access to timely diagnostic testing when they need it. Every day, thousands of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) members operate highly specialized imaging equipment, providing the MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays that physicians and specialists depend on to make the diagnosis and treat the patient.

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But more and more, Albertans are waiting longer because diagnostic testing depends not only on access to equipment, but on access to these professionals who have the expertise needed to support the diagnosis. And right now, there are not enough of them to keep up with our growing population, which limits access to testing for patients who need it.

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This is a serious problem, and one Alberta needs to tackle thoughtfully with the input of frontline health professionals. However, Alberta’s recent push to expand private diagnostic imaging services by allowing Albertans to self-refer for testing and seek reimbursement risks significantly increasing demand for these tests without expanding the workforce.

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Like the Alberta Medical Association, our members are also concerned this change will generate more follow-up care than our stretched public system can absorb. More testing means more imaging, consultations, and treatment, but that does not automatically mean more technologists, sonographers, radiologists, and others who deliver this care.

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Our members live these workforce challenges every day. Across Alberta, they report persistent staffing shortages and increasing workloads. They have difficulty taking time off without impacting patient care and are challenged daily to produce high-quality images with broken or aging equipment that just can’t do the job. These issues also affect access and increasing reliance on private-pay options for Albertans will not fix them.

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Private diagnostic imaging services have been available in Alberta for decades and have yet to prove effective for decreasing wait times. This fact is unlikely to change, especially as our population continues to rise alongside demands for health services.

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So, why should Albertans wait to see the results of this program when there are better solutions for increasing access ready to go — right now?

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Our members know the best way to guarantee improved access for all Albertans to these complex tests is to retain, recruit and respect more of the professionals needed in our hospitals and health centres. That would have the greatest impact, leading to more Albertans being screened for many conditions — including cancers — sooner. By taking meaningful steps on education and recruitment programs, we can turn Alberta into a destination of choice for today’s professionals and attract the next generation.

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We need to do better, and we need to involve the Albertans who do the work. That is why HSAA is calling for a provincewide, worker-led health-workforce strategy with our members at the table, advising on retention and recruitment efforts, so that every Albertan has access to timely care regardless of their ability to pay.