Minister and Department

The Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honorable Ron Liepert, the Department of Health and Wellness and Alberta Health Service are key elements in Alberta's health care system. The minister is aided by department staff members, various advisory bodies and directed by government as a whole in setting policy for health care. The Department of Health and Wellness implements and ensures compliance with policy.

The minister and department also works with other ministers and related departments of health across the country on national policies and initiatives.

Minister's mandate

On April 7, 2009, Premier Ed Stelmach once again issued mandate letters to each Cabinet team member updating and refocusing the government's priority initiatives. The Minister and Ministry of Health and Wellness is to support these efforts by:

  1. Increasing access to quality health care and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery, and lead the following initiatives:
    • Implement Vision 2020 to optimize health service delivery by increasing efficiency, improving access and guiding capital planning;
    • Finalize and implement the Pharmaceutical Strategy to improve the drug approval process, establish a common Alberta drug benefit program and a more sustainable and equitable program;
    • Within the Continuing Care Strategy, improve the quality of care for Albertans by offering more alternatives for long-term care;
    • Continue to ensure Alberta has the health care professionals we need to meet future demand; and
    • Implement a strengthened governance and accountability framework with all health providers.
  2. Working with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General to promote strong and vibrant communities and reduce crime so Albertans feel safe, and lead the following initiative:
    • Enhance the continuum of community-based and client-centered services for mental health and addictions, including children’s mental health, in support of the Safe Communities initiative.

More ministry information

Learn more about the vision, principles and mission statements that guide the Department of Health and Wellness. Also learn about the department's organization, its advisory bodies and the legislation that directs Alberta's health system.