Alberta is investing in rural health care with two new initiatives aimed at attracting physicians and expanding care teams in underserved communities. A $16-million pilot bursary program will support 74 family medicine residents expected to practise in rural Alberta by July 2027. The Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary offers up to $200,000 to medical residents who commit to working in rural or remote communities after completing their training.

In addition, the province is launching a $6-million Rural Team Recruitment Grant to help clinics across Alberta hire more health professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists. In the first round of funding, 29 clinics — including locations in Stettler, Bashaw, Delburne and Consort — will share support to bring on approximately 52 new full-time care providers. A second intake is expected to open soon as part of the province’s strategy to improve access and retention in rural health care.