“The Government of Alberta is spending more than ever before on our public health care system and we will maintain current spending.

“In order to ensure that our public health care system remains sustainable, we must act to maintain physician spending at current levels.

“Unfortunately, efforts to achieve this goal were unsuccessful during voluntary mediation with the Alberta Medical Association. Our government will take this time to carefully consider all options at our disposal.

“Cost overruns are forecast to amount to $2 billion over the next three years – this is unacceptable. Any savings that will be achieved through our efforts to curtail costs of physician compensation will be reinvested into front-line services such as reducing surgical wait times, addressing mental health and addictions issues, and investing in continuing care.

“Our government believes we can address these priorities, while also keeping our hardworking and dedicated physicians amongst the highest paid in Canada.”