The Government of Alberta is exploring new options when it comes to relieving pressure on the health care system.

Ric McIver, Alberta’s Municipal Affairs Minister, has requested an immediate meeting with the federal government.

McIver stated in a letter to the federal Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, that the federal government could help assist in two areas.

The first would be to airlift and transfer patients outside of Alberta, and the second would be to help bring in more staff to AHS, specifically ICU registered nurses and respiratory therapists.

Premier Jason Kenney announced a State of Public Health Emergency on September 16th, 2021.

As part of Alberta's ongoing efforts to boost health care capacity during the public health emergency, we have formally asked the federal government to assist us with patient transfers and critical care staff.

Read my letter to @BillBlair: pic.twitter.com/DZGrqYW7Pp

— Ric McIver (@RicMcIver) September 21, 2021