The Town of Stettler & County of Stettler are reviewing their doctor recruitment incentive ahead of its Dec. 31, 2026 expiry.
During its Oct. 14 meeting, County of Stettler council voted to reopen discussion with the Town of Stettler on the joint Physician Recruitment and Retention Incentive agreement.
In July 2024, Stettler faced an acute doctor shortage with only 7 practicing physicians, leading to a community rally at the S-R-C and the Stettler Needs Doctors campaign.
To counter the shortages, the Town of Stettler & County of Stettler created a joint physician recruitment and retention incentive policy.
Under the 50/50 cost-sharing deal, new doctors received between $50,000 and $70,000 based on their qualifications, capped to seven recruits.
In July 2025, both councils updated the agreement requiring doctors to complete five years of service to earn the full amount.
Physicians leaving within two years must repay the incentive in full, while those departing between two and five years face prorated repayments.
As of Feb 2026, the Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee reported five new doctors in the community that were accepting patients.
Proposed Program Expansion
With the current agreement set to expire at the end of 2026, the attraction committee recommended expanding financial incentives to attract general practitioner-anesthetists (GPAs) who can offer labor & delivery services.
Under proposed amendments, the maximum incentive would rise from $70,000 to $100,000.
If approved, each municipality would see its maximum potential contribution per recruit rise by $15,000 (to $50,000 total).
The committee also recommended restructuring the policy so existing physicians who acquire additional training in anesthesia can access funding.
Push for Regional Equity
The discussion at county council turned towards regional cost-sharing. Coun. James Nibourg questioned why the financial burden falls solely on the County & Town.
Nibourg pointed out that nearby summer villages including Rochon Sands, White Sands, as well as Big Valley & Donalda benefit from the local hospital without contributing financial support.
The Town of Stettler also passed a motion at their Oct. 20 meeting to bring the committee’s proposed amendments on increasing the doctor incentive to a future meeting.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
