Alberta doctors involved in legal battle with AHS

EDMONTON – A group of foreign-trained doctors is suing Alberta Health Services.

The doctors are working in the Edmonton areas as clinical assistants. But they claim they’re doing the same work as other physicians, for less salary.

They’re frustrated with a system and government which they feel has let them down.

“We care for the patients, and I think we should be cared for by all the government and services,” said Dr. Rubina Khan. “The problem we are going through it should be looked after.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We care for the patients, and I think we should be cared for by all the government and services," said Dr. Rubina Khan. "The problem we are going through it should be looked after."

The 40 clinical assistants were told their contracts wouldn’t be renewed.

In a letter, Alberta Health Services described a new model where the work will be provided by employees. Clinical assistants are encouraged to apply for the positions, but there’s concern among the group they will be doing the same work for less pay.

However, the issue goes beyond employment. The doctors have limited licenses, meaning their work has to be supervised.

“I did evening shifts, I did night shifts, without being supervised with what they call a supervisor,” said Dr. Abdul Nasser.

All of the doctors came to Canada with the promise of a pathway to full license. Several years ago, that changed when the clinical assistant designation was introduced. The doctors are now restricted to only work in hospitals, and can’t set up their own practices.

“We need support from general public that we want to work for you. We want to give to community and help us overcome this government, overcome these Alberta Health Services,” said Dr. Sultana Begum.

Twenty-nine of the doctors have filed a lawsuit alleging mistreatment. In a statement to Global News, AHS said counterparts in Calgary have welcomed the change.

“During the implementation of a standardized provincial program, more than 80 per cent of CAs/CSAs saw their compensation either increase or remain the same,” said Dr. Verna Yiu, the Chief Medical Officer.

Those words are of little meaning for the group of doctors. They’re calling for the premier to become directly involved.

“Before the NDPs came into power, they were calling for equality, freedoms, and the rights of front line workers. What’s been happening to us is the exact opposite,” said Karim Ahmed.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman provided the following statement on the matter:

“AHS started this transition a number of years ago after the College of Physicians and Surgeons raised concerns about how the role of clinical assistants was being managed. Most clinical assistants are already employees of AHS, and this change will ensure all of these professionals are under the same salary and management model, and more than 80 per cent of them will see their salary increase. The group has also contacted my office to share their frustrations. As this is an HR matter fully within AHS’s scope, I encourage them to continue raising their concerns with AHS, and if they feel it necessary, with the college, but I am interested in their perspective and want to make sure they feel heard.”

With files from Global News.