Government of Alberta Suspends Planned Health-Care Coverage Changes for Some Temporary Foreign Workers

By Ray Jackson

Published: February 10, 2026 | Calgary, AB

The Government of Alberta has suspended a recently announced change to provincial health-care coverage after concerns were raised about its potential impact on temporary foreign workers already living and working in the province.

The proposed policy, introduced earlier this year, would have removed Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage for certain individuals holding specific temporary work permits. While the change initially drew limited public attention, questions soon emerged from employers, workers, and community organizations about how the policy could affect Alberta’s labour force.

In a statement issued Monday, Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventive Health confirmed that implementation of the policy has been paused following an internal review. The ministry acknowledged the changes were introduced too quickly and said further evaluation is required before any final decision is made.

The suspended measure would have affected some participants holding International Experience Canada work permits, which allow individuals from partner countries to live and work in Canada for a limited period. These permits are commonly used by youth and seasonal workers employed in tourism, hospitality, and service-related industries.

Tourism-dependent regions are among those most closely monitoring the situation. Communities in Alberta’s Bow Valley, including Banff and Lake Louise, rely heavily on temporary and seasonal workers to support local businesses during peak travel seasons.

Organizations supporting newcomers say the government’s decision provides short-term relief but leaves lingering uncertainty. The Bow Valley Immigration Partnership has called for clearer public communication, including confirmation on whether workers arriving during the review period will remain eligible for provincial health coverage and when the review is expected to conclude.

As Alberta prepares for the busy spring and summer tourism season, employers are beginning to recruit staff. Advocates say uncertainty surrounding access to health care could discourage prospective workers from choosing Alberta, potentially leading to labour shortages at a critical time for the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Similar concerns have been raised in other parts of the province. In Jasper, local officials say international and seasonal workers play a vital role in sustaining businesses and essential community services. Richard Ireland, the town’s mayor, said policies affecting worker well-being can have broader consequences beyond the workplace, impacting entire communities.

The Alberta government has not provided a timeline for completing its review or indicated whether the suspended policy will ultimately be revised or withdrawn. Until further notice, existing provincial health-care coverage rules for eligible temporary foreign workers remain in effect.