Canada

The Globe report says the province is considering creating new types of physicians.

The first would see doctors bill the province for patient care as usual. The second would see doctors quit the public system entirely and run private clinics where patients are billed at rates set by doctors. The third would see physicians split their time between public and private models.

The report said the government would have the power to restrict which types of services physicians can provide and bill for privately.

Doctors can already quit the public system in Alberta if they choose, but it's not immediately clear just how many have.

The third option would be a first in Canada, and the Canadian Medical Association, which represents physicians across the country, warned Tuesday that it could lead to Albertans waiting longer to see their family doctors.

"The evidence from around the world is clear: where a parallel private health system operates, both health outcomes and access to care are worse," association president Dr. Margot Burnell said in a statement.

"Alberta's private care plans may similarly weaken an already challenged public health system."

Opposition Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi told reporters the government was pushing "American-style medicine" and its plan would only punish low-income Albertans.

During question period Tuesday, Nenshi called on Premier Danielle Smith to call an election over the issue.