British Columbians can now access surgery in Alberta after cross-border partnership

VICTORIA, B.C. — Cross-border surgeries can now take place in Alberta once again, starting this month.

According to a press release, residents of British Columbia will be able to access scheduled surgeries from its eastern neighbour, which will reduce the distance needed to travel for health care.

The partnership between the two provinces took effect starting on Sunday, March 1st.

Provincial health minister Josie Osborne described the announcement as “great news” for individuals on both sides of the border.

“This partnership between our two provinces showcases how interconnected our communities are,” said Osborne. “Especially for people living close to the Alberta border, who will now be able to access surgical care closer to home.

“We are grateful to our neighbours in Alberta and look forward to working together to strengthen healthcare access in our province.”

Under the agreement, B.C. patients can now speak with a primary care provider to learn more about having a scheduled surgery in Alberta. 

It will require a physician based in Alberta to accept them for a consultation and care as a part of the referral process. 

Alberta minister of hospital and surgical health services Matt Jones says the partnership is “putting patients first.”

“Alberta is proud to renew this partnership with British Columbia to help ensure patients living near our shared border can access timely surgical care, closer to home,” said Jones.

The two provincial governments previously had an agreement regarding cross-border surgeries, but it was suspended in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The news comes as northern B.C.’s health authority, Northern Health, has struggled securing specialists to serve the region.