New data analyzed in this report shows that the costs of private surgical services under the Alberta Surgical Initiative have skyrocketed, even as patients face increasingly long waits — including for cancer and other critical surgeries. Meanwhile, Alberta is one of only three provinces where real per capita hospital spending has been steadily declining for the past decade.

Since Alberta signed the $10-a-day Child Care deal, reports on the results have been mixed. While many parents have benefited from reduced fees, some providers have voiced concerns about the program, and the provincial government has complained that the federal agreement is overly restrictive. This report examines the progress made under the $10-a-day plan in Alberta, identifies persistent challenges, and outlines actionable recommendations to build a more effective and equitable child-care system.