Alberta's health ministry is trying hard to reform its health care system. Sources confirmed that the health ministry has already spent $1.3 billion more than budget this year. Health Minister Ron Liepert has already made some changes in the existing health care system but the most significant changes are yet to come, but are outlined in a document that was released on the Health Department's website in mid-December.

Some of the plans presented by the health ministry include changing the role of rural hospitals and pushing a larger portion of drug costs onto patients, especially those who can afford to pay, including well-off seniors.

Premier Ed Stelmach said, "Part of the billion is the accumulated deficits of the regional health authorities. Some of it is due to our labour agreements; some of it is due to growth in programs ... new therapies, new drugs."

Stelmach added that the province may end up putting a lid on health spending increases.

Carol Wodak, who has become a voice for seniors in Alberta said that many people don't really understand what's happening because they haven't been able to "decode" the minister's public statements on changes to health care.