Alberta
Front-line paramedics will soon have access to Connect Care
Expanding Connect Care access for paramedics
Alberta’s government is committed to making sure front-line health care workers have the tools necessary to deliver the highest quality of care, especially in emergencies where every second counts. By improving access to critical patient information, this initiative will strengthen the efficiency and quality of emergency care for all Albertans.
Starting Jan. 30, paramedics providing front-line care will have view-only access to Connect Care. They will be able to look up the most up-to-date health information, including medication lists, lab results, electrocardiograms and medical imaging. Allowing paramedics to view patient records on site will empower them to make informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes during critical moments.
“The introduction of Connect Care view-only access is a crucial advancement for our emergency medical services. This initiative reflects our commitment to equipping our paramedics with the necessary tools to deliver timely and informed care, ensuring the safety and well-being of Albertans in their most vulnerable moments.”
From June to August 2024, Alberta Health Services (AHS) piloted Connect Care view-only access with fixed-wing air ambulance paramedics stationed in Calgary and Medicine Hat. The pilot assessed the training, access and use of Connect Care, with paramedics providing positive feedback. The trial demonstrated improvements in clinical decision-making and patient safety, leading to the decision for a provincewide rollout.
“Paramedics have a multitude of abilities that make them a valuable part of the health care system. Having swift access to additional tools/data will notably assist them in providing enhanced care to all Albertans.”
Connect Care operates with rigorous oversight, including a 24-hour Smart Audit system, which flags any unusual activities for immediate review by the AHS privacy breach team. Comprehensive training and support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition, including user guides and other resources to help paramedics access the system.
“Paramedics are highly skilled health professionals who deliver exceptional care, relying both on their clinical expertise and information gathered from patients and bystanders. The expansion of Connect Care view-only access represents a transformative advancement in emergency medical services, enhancing their ability to deliver even higher levels of care.”
Alberta’s government recognizes the essential role a fully integrated clinical documentation system plays in promoting collaboration among health care providers. This expansion of Connect Care access is a significant step forward in ensuring paramedics have timely access to patient health information when it’s most crucial for Albertans.
Quick facts
- Connect Care view-only access will be provided to both AHS emergency medical services paramedics as well as contract service providers delivering front-line care.
Alberta
Former Chief Judge of Manitoba Proincial Court will lead AHS third-party investigation into AHS procurement process
Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Christopher McPherson has issued the following statement on an independent third-party investigation into procurement and contracting processes used by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS):
Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Christopher McPherson has issued the following statement on an independent third-party investigation into procurement and contracting processes used by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS):
“While serving as Acting Deputy Minister of Executive Council, Premier Danielle Smith asked me to establish a credible, independent, third-party investigation into the procurement processes used by the Government of Alberta and AHS and their outcomes.
“I have informed Premier Smith that the Honourable Raymond E. Wyant, former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, will lead this investigation. I asked Premier Smith to issue a ministerial order to facilitate his work and she has done so. Judge Wyant’s work on this matter begins immediately.
“Judge Wyant was appointed to the Manitoba bench in 1998 before becoming Chief Judge in 2002. Prior to his service on the bench, Judge Wyant worked as a criminal defence lawyer and Crown attorney and was acting deputy director of Manitoba prosecutions at the time of his appointment to the Bench. He has also taught law for many years at Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba.
“Judge Wyant will review the relevant legislation, regulations and policies related to procurement typically used by Government of Alberta departments and agencies, specifically AHS, and their application to the procurement of pharmaceuticals and to services offered by chartered surgical facilities. Questions that Judge Wyant will consider are outlined in the attached terms of reference, and include whether or not any elected official, Government of Alberta or AHS employee, or other individuals, acted improperly during the procurement processes. Judge Wyant will make recommendations to the government for improvement or further action as appropriate.
“Appointed under the Government Organization Act, Judge Wyant will operate independently of government. The Government of Alberta will provide Judge Wyant with access to all relevant documents held by its departments and AHS, as well as facilitate interviews with relevant individuals.
“Judge Wyant has been given a budget of $500,000 to undertake this important work, including to retain legal and audit assistance at his discretion. He is being paid $31,900 per month, which is the same remuneration rate as the Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.
“To ensure additional independence, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction will hold the budget for this third-party investigation.
“Judge Wyant will deliver an interim written report by May 30, 2025. A final written report and recommendations will be delivered by June 30, 2025, and it will be posted on alberta.ca.”
Related information
By Kris Sims
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding the Alberta government for giving Albertans a huge income tax cut in Budget 2025, but is strongly warning against its dive into debt by running a deficit.
“Premier Danielle Smith keeping her promise to cut Alberta’s income tax is great news, because it means huge savings for most working families,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “Families are fighting to afford basics right now, and if they can save more than $1,500 per year thanks to this big tax cut, that would cover a month’s rent or more than a month’s worth of groceries.”
Finance Minister Nate Horner announced, effective this fiscal year, Alberta will drop its lowest income tax rate to eight per cent, down from 10 per cent, for the first $60,000 of earnings.
The government estimates this income tax cut will save the average Alberta worker about $750 per year, or more than $1,500 per year for a two-person working family.
Albertans earning less than $60,000 a year will see a 20 per cent reduction to their annual provincial income tax bill.
The budget also contained some bad news.
The province is running a $5.2 billion deficit in 2025-26 and the government is planning to keep running deficits for two more years.
Total spending has gone up from $73.1 billion from last budget to $79.3 billion this year, an increase of 8.4 per cent.
“If the government had frozen spending at last year’s budget level, the province could have a $1 billion surplus and still cut the income tax,” said Sims. “The debt is going up over the next few years, but we caught a lucky break with interest rates dropping this past year, so we aren’t paying as much in interest payments on the debt.”
The province’s debt is now estimated to be $82.8 billion for 2025-26.
Interest payments on the provincial debt are costing taxpayers about $2.9 billion, about a 12 per cent decrease from last year.
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