Discussions are ongoing in Alberta regarding potential changes to the health care funding system that could affect people with temporary immigration status. The proposal involves introducing an annual contribution of up to 1,900 Canadian dollars for access to the provincial health care system. At this point, this is only a proposal, not a rule in effect.
The initiative is linked to a referendum to be held in Alberta on October 19, 2026. One of the questions put to a vote concerns whether the province’s residents support the introduction of a “reasonable fee or premium” for individuals with non-permanent immigration status for using the public health care and education systems. The referendum itself does not change the law, but its results may determine the provincial government’s next steps.
According to the Alberta government, the proposed contribution could amount to up to $1,900 per year per family. The final mechanism, the list of individuals it will apply to, possible exemptions, and the effective date have not yet been determined, as the law has not yet been passed.
Currently, most people who legally reside in Alberta under valid work or study permits and meet the requirements of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) can receive provincial health insurance without paying a separate premium. This is why the potential introduction of a new premium has become the subject of active public debate.
If, following the referendum, the government decides to implement this initiative, it will require the passage of relevant legislation. Until then, the rules for participation in the AHCIP remain in effect, and there is currently no mandatory annual fee of $1,900 for temporary residents.
For Ukrainians in Alberta under temporary immigration programs, this means that no additional fees have been introduced so far. If the provincial government adopts the relevant changes following the referendum, they will be officially published along with details on exactly who the new rules will apply to and when they will take effect.