Alberta government agrees to $50M deal to take over medical lab services in 2022

The Alberta government has agreed to a multimillion-dollar deal to take over medical laboratory services from its largest private provider.

Alberta Health Services says it will pay Dynalife $50 million for its assets and take over its 1,200 staff.

Another $15 million will be invested over the next five years for lab equipment upgrades.

READ MORE: AHS reaches ‘agreement in principle’ with Dynalife to continue providing lab services

The plan kicks in when the recently extended contract with Dynalife expires in 2022.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman says the move is good news for patients and for stable health care delivery in Alberta.

READ MORE: Alberta lab services report calls for more public oversight

Opposition leaders say it’s a backward move that puts ideology over practicality.