Budget 2026, if passed, delivers more than $34 million to strengthen primary care initiatives and programs dedicated specifically to improving the health and well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit in Alberta. This includes funding for physicians, community programs and targeted prevention and screening services.
Accessing timely, culturally appropriate care, especially in rural and remote areas, can be challenging for Indigenous patients. Guided by feedback from Indigenous communities, these investments strengthen community-based services to help close gaps in access and improve health outcomes for Indigenous patients and families across Alberta.
“These investments are about making sure Indigenous patients and families can access care that is respectful, culturally appropriate and close to home. We are strengthening community-led supports and improving access to primary care across Alberta."
“Health care works best when it reflects the people it serves. Targeted investments like these help remove barriers, support culturally informed care and strengthen Indigenous-led solutions that improve outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit across Alberta. This work is part of the Alberta government’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation – taking practical steps, alongside Indigenous partners, to improve access to care and support healthier communities.”
Budget 2026 includes nearly $16 million in 2026-27 funding to compensate more than 95 physicians, several of whom are Indigenous, to provide culturally safe and patient-centered care for Indigenous patients in 18 communities, as well as Edmonton and Calgary.
An additional $16 million will fund programs delivered by the Indigenous Health Division at Primary and Preventative Health Services. This includes support for 17 Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations to recruit and retain patient navigators, who help patients access primary care, community and social services, and other health supports.
“As co-chair, I saw firsthand the dedication of Indigenous leaders, government and health professionals working to shape a system that truly serves First Nations, Métis and Inuit patients. These investments are a direct result of that partnership, and they will make a real difference in communities across Alberta."
Funding also includes $2.9 million for Indigenous-led initiatives focused on prevention and early detection, including cancer screening programs, the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre, and the Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic, which provides virtual specialist diabetes care for Indigenous patients and families, including those in remote communities.
“For more than 50 years, Alberta’s Friendship Centres have supported urban Indigenous peoples with culturally grounded, holistic supports. These investments strengthen our work, and we welcome this commitment to improving Indigenous well-being across the province.”
"Access to primary care supports and patient navigators are critical to adequate health care for Metis Settlement members. We are working closely with the Government of Alberta on designing health delivery systems for our members and this partnership between our governments and the investments through this budget are key to our collective health success."
These investments build on the Alberta government’s broader efforts to improve primary care access and ensure everyone in Alberta can receive timely, high-quality services. Working in partnership with Indigenous communities is key to delivering care that reflects local needs and priorities.
Budget 2026 is focused on what matters with targeted investments in students and classrooms, health care and the economy, while showing strong fiscal leadership and controlling costs.
Quick facts
- If passed, Budget 2026 will invest $12.7 billion for primary and preventative health care in Alberta. This represents an increase of 13.2 per cent and $1.5 billion from 2025.
- Physicians in the Indigenous Wellness Program Clinical ARP, in addition to the Siksika Health and Wellness Centre and the Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic Clinical ARPs, collaborate with other health care providers to facilitate culturally safe and patient-centered care, in communities or in specialized clinics for Indigenous patients.