Adriana LaGrange says more work to do on doctor pay deal [Video]

Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says there’s more work to be done before a new compensation contract for the province’s doctors is finalized.

Speaking to media Wednesday, LaGrange said she’s trying to ensure the new deal, which was agreed to in part in April, is sustainable.

She said doctor compensation under the existing contract over the past few years has risen faster than inflation and population growth and is on track to surpass its $6.7-billion budget this year.

“I have to make sure that as the budget grows that I have the means to continue it on for the future,” she said.

“We want our doctors to be well compensated for the work that they’re doing, but I know that if this budget was a ministry in the government, it would be the third largest ministry in all of government next to Health and Education.”

The group representing Alberta’s doctors …