NUPGE Members Joined National Health Care Lobby to Defend Public Medicare

February 12 2026

More than 200 health care workers and advocates from across the country gathered in Ottawa this week for the Canadian Health Coalition’s annual lobby, calling on federal leaders to take urgent action to protect and strengthen Canada’s public health care system.

NUPGE was proud to be represented by 65 members, forming the largest delegation at this year’s event.

NUPGE President Bert Blundon and the OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick were featured speakers at the rally with NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer Jason MacLean playing a key role throughout the lobby as the Chair of the Canadian Health Coalition.

Solidarity in Action

Over three packed days, participants met with approximately 100 Members of Parliament (MPs) from all parties, as well as many Senators, raising concerns about growing privatization pressures, workforce shortages, and the urgent need for federal enforcement of the Canada Health Act.

This lobby, the largest ever held by the Canadian Health Coalition, demonstrated the strength and solidarity of the public health care movement. Advocates included health care workers, grassroots activists, and organizers united by deep concern as the system faces grave threats.

A Strong Presence on Parliament Hill

The lobby featured:

  • A large rally on Parliament Hill with over 400 attending. Health care workers, union leaders and allies demanded action from the federal government.
  • Two national media conferences, drawing attention to the risks posed by privatization and Alberta’s Bill 11.
  • And about 100 meetings with Members of Parliament and Senators.

Honouring Advocacy and Organizing for Action

During the lobby, Jason MacLean presented the Nell Toussaint Award to injured worker and migrant rights advocate Alicia Carty. The reception was hosted by the House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia and attended by MPs from multiple parties.

NUPGE members also participated in strategy sessionswith provincial and territorial health coalitions, laying the groundwork for coordinated national opposition to Alberta’s Bill 11 and the broader expansion of two-tier, for-profit care. Many NUPGE members are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and ensured elected representatives were aware of critical AHP shortages.

Participants were united in the need to stop the growing threat of for-profit health care which creates a two-tier system. The federal government was ‘called-out’ for not taking action to enforce the Canada Health Act and move to block the implementation of Bill 11 in Alberta. Advocates know that if privatization is allowed to grow unchecked in one province, it puts public health care at risk everywhere.

Building Momentum

The lobby made clear that health care workers and advocates were ready to keep the pressure on. Participants left Ottawa energized, connected, and committed to continuing the fight in their communities.

NUPGE voices were strong during the lobby and members are helping to shape the work needed to defend public health care. Participants left with an ambitious agenda and a renewed commitment to fighting for public health care.