Statements

Released on March 12, 2025
 
 
Over the past year, significant progress has been made in improving the training environment for resident physicians in Alberta, including the introduction of a new Resident Physician Agreement that increases compensation and strengthens support and working conditions. Alberta is leading the nation in many wellness measures and it is having a notably positive impact on residents. Alberta has exceptional programs, diverse clinical experiences and a renewed focus on physician well-being and retention.  
 
We recognize that there are still unmatched family medicine positions in Alberta and recruitment to these roles remains a priority.  It’s important to recognize that first-round CaRMS results don’t paint the full picture of resident physician recruitment and retention in Alberta. Historically, a more complete understanding of match trends emerges after the second round when unmatched positions are filled. With additional residency positions available this year, the landscape is different from previous years. Further movement and progress can be expected in round two.  
 
Unfilled family medicine positions are not unique to Alberta. Across the country, institutions are experiencing similar challenges. This reflects a shifting trend in residency choices rather than a province-specific issue. Notably, there is encouraging growth in key areas - rural residency programs in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge have performed well in this year’s match, reflecting the strong training opportunities available outside of major urban centres.  
 
With the expansion of residency seats this year in Alberta, it’s expected that unfilled positions will take time to stabilize as applicants explore their options and second-round placements unfold. PARA is committed to supporting ongoing efforts to ensure Alberta remains an attractive place for new physicians to train and practice.  
 
It is essential that physicians continue to foster a stable, supportive training and practice environment - one that encourages residents to come, to stay and to build their careers here. Through our new Agreement, PARA, the universities and the government have taken meaningful steps to improve conditions for resident physicians, including better remuneration and wellness supports, many of which are happening only in Alberta. 
 
Significant efforts have been made to create the change needed to support medical students and resident physicians in their training. PARA will continue advocating for the needs of current and future residents to ensure Alberta remains a competitive and attractive place to train and practice. 

Released on February 14, 2024

Individuals must have the autonomy to make informed decisions about their own bodies, particularly in matters as intimate and significant as gender identity. Restrictive measures recently announced regarding gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse youth disregard the established standards of care for transgender individuals and undermine the principles of patient-centered health care and medical ethics.

PARA firmly believes that the decision-making process for young people regarding gender affirming care should reside solely with the patient and their medical care team. Any
intrusion in this deeply personal and individualized aspect of health care is unwarranted and harmful.

Upholding the right of individuals to access gender-affirming care is essential for promoting the health, dignity and human rights of young transgender and gender-diverse
individuals in Alberta and beyond .

Released on June 11, 2020

PARA unequivocally denounces racism, intolerance and inequity in all forms. PARA stands in solidarity with all Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC).

We still live in a world where systemic racism, intolerance and inequity exist. Unfortunately, our members continue to experience racism and intolerance. These experiences are both visible and invisible – in the words spoken, the actions taken and the barriers encountered.

Racism, discrimination and unconscious bias exist in our health care system. PARA has focused on working with the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services to ensure that the Values Statement in the Resident Physician Agreement is a lived experience: 

The parties to this Agreement are committed to a working environment free of harassment and intimidation where mutual respect and the ability to work together productively are promoted and supported. 

The parties support the prevention of harassment and intimidation and the development of processes that promote and support a safe work environment that protects all people from physical, psychological, and emotional harm. 

The parties are committed to cultivating an atmosphere of trust, respect, and dignity in all their relationships. 

While PARA has worked advocating for both individuals and for all members to create a safer working environment, we understand that this work is far from complete. We are committed to continuing moving forward with this work – both in the initiatives we develop and offer our members, and in our advocacy efforts with our partners. 

PARA acknowledges we have not previously spoken out as an Association on human rights, racism and intolerance. As Albertans and Canadians are reflecting on systemic biases, we understand that we have been a participant in a system that is built on, and perpetuates, racial inequities. In this present time of listening and learning, we feel it is critical for us to re-evaluate our actions in order to move forward, grow and work towards active anti-racism as an organization. We know that our silence disappointed many of our members. We affirm our commitment moving forward to reviewing and evaluating our policies and processes, and striving to improve our support of inclusivity, diversity and anti-racism in our operations. We are learning, we are listening and we are evolving. 

PARA wants to hear from you, our members, about ways in which we might provide support as we continue to work on your behalf. If there are stories you want to share or practical suggestions that PARA should present to AHS, PGMEs, or programs, we want to know. 

Please reach out to us – we are listening.