The Lead the Way – What We Heard report captured input and the voices of more than 2,000 Albertans who participated in a second round of public engagement on the future of the province’s health care system. These sessions gave Albertans and health care workers another opportunity to share their perspectives, receive updates and suggest ways that the health care system can better support patients, providers and communities across the province.

Following the Shape the Way engagements held in 2024, the minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services committed to a second round of provincewide sessions in early 2025. Through the additional provincewide engagements, further updates and ideas to improve local decision-making and front-line care have been gathered.

“Albertans have spoken – they want a health care system that’s easier to access, more responsive and truly connected to their communities. And that’s our priority as a government; in fact, it’s the top priority in Premier Smith’s mandate letters to me and my colleagues. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts. You’ve played an important role in helping us build a stronger health care system.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

The report highlights six key themes that emerged from the engagement.

  • Provide faster, fairer and more culturally appropriate access to care, especially in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
  • Focus strongly on prevention and public health through education, early intervention and wellness.
  • Better allocate and coordinate staff, equipment and infrastructure, with clear planning and transparency.
  • Be accountable and transparent to build public trust.
  • Support, respect and retain the health care workforce.
  • Ensure the system is unified and patient-centred.

Feedback from both rounds is informing decisions as Alberta’s four new provincial health agencies – Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta, Primary Care Alberta and Recovery Alberta – continue to take shape.

While this phase of engagement has concluded, Albertans and health care workers will continue to have opportunities to share their perspectives through regional advisory councils, which will play an important role in shaping the future of care in communities across the province.

Quick facts

  • The Lead the Way 2025 public engagement ran from January to May 2025. Led by the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services, it included:
    • 64 in-person public sessions across the province (63 in English and one in French)
    • Seven virtual engagement sessions (six in English and one in French)
    • 2,035 Albertans participated in the sessions

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