Alberta NDP alleges UCP is failing cancer patients

The Alberta NDP says the UCP is failing cancer patients within the province.

The official opposition says it’s raising alarm bells based on data from the government’s cancer wait times dashboard, which indicates that since 2023, the five most common cancer surgeries have declined from 53 per cent being within the medically recommended timeframe down to 40 per cent in 2026.

“Danielle Smith promised to fix health care in 90 days,” said Sarah Hoffman, Shadow Minister for Hospitals and Surgical Facilities. “Three and a half years later, this government is clearly failing cancer patients, who are waiting far too long for life-saving surgeries.”

The NDP also adds that breast cancer surgeries alone have dropped from 70 per cent completed within the medically recommended timeframe in 2023 to just 43 per cent in 2026. 

However, the province says that so far in 2026, they’ve already increased the number of surgeries compared to last year.

“While Alberta has delivered a record number of cancer surgeries, 18,500 to date this year, approximately 7 per cent higher than last year and remains a national leader in radiation therapy, Alberta’s government recognizes that more must be done to improve cancer wait times and ensure Albertans receive timely, high-quality care,” said the Press Secretary of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, in a statement to CityNews.

The New Democrats believe that the drop correlates to cuts in cancer screening, prevention, and research, which is reflected in the 2026 budget.

“This government just tabled a $9.4 billion deficit,” said Sharif Haji, Shadow Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “Where did the money go? Not to cancer surgeries, screening, or research. Never before has a government spent so much for Albertans to get so little.” 

“The key to fixing cancer surgery wait times is early detection and treatment,” said Haji. “Instead of addressing a problem that has clearly gotten worse, this government has chosen to cut funding where it matters most.” 

The NDP is calling on the “Minister of Hospitals and Surgical Health Services to provide Albertans with a clear plan to reduce cancer surgery wait times; and the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services to immediately reverse cuts to cancer screening, prevention, and diagnosis.”

CityNews has reached out to the province, which responded by saying it is investing millions into cancer research programs.

“As was stated clearly to the opposition during estimates, there have been no cuts to cancer funding. This year, we are investing $31.8 million into cancer research, screening, and prevention, expanding programs more than ever. In addition, $653 million is going to Primary Care Alberta to improve access to cancer screening, health care providers, and patient support—a $360.5 million increase from Budget 2025. Cancer Care Alberta’s budget is estimated at $1.2 billion for 2026–27, an increase of $250 million from last year,” said the Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services in a statement.

“The change to PPHS line item 5.4 reflects internal reallocations only, with funding now shown under Primary Care Alberta and Cancer Care Alberta. Cancer funding continues to be delivered through the right organizations to better support Albertans.”

The Press Secretary of Hospital and Surgical Health Services added, “To ensure more Albertans receive care within clinically recommended wait times, we have made significant investments across the cancer care system. We secured an $800 million partnership with Siemens to modernize cancer equipment, establish two centres of excellence in cancer care, and create a medical research and innovation fund. We increased Cancer Care Alberta’s budget by $223 million over three years to approximately $1.2 billion which will support the hiring of additional oncologists, expand surgical capacity, and complete renovations at the Cross Cancer Institute.

“We also invested $149 million through the Diagnostic Imaging and Cancer Care Enhancements Program to expand and upgrade diagnostic capabilities across Alberta. In addition, we are investing $284 million over three years in capital funding through the Alberta Surgical Initiative to expand operating room capacity, renovate surgical suites, and add critical equipment. We have also opened the world-class Arthur J. E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calgary, a leading-edge, 160-bed facility designed to deliver advanced cancer care,” the statement continued.

Adding, “Looking ahead, Alberta’s government, in partnership with health system stakeholders, patients, families, and care providers, is developing a Provincial Cancer Care Strategy to 2035. This strategy will strengthen system integration and performance across the cancer care continuum, while advancing innovation, research, and data use. It is focused on addressing immediate pressures while building a sustainable, high-performing cancer care system for the future. We remain firmly committed to improving access, reducing wait times, and ensuring every patient receives the care they need when they need it.”