Senior man in hospital bedJack MacTavish and his family went through the ringer last Christmas. The ALC Charge is invoiced to patients in hospitals that no longer require its services but are waiting to be transferred to a suitable care facility (2). According to the Alberta government, the $69.20 fee is the amount an individual would be charged to stay in a shared room at a continuing care home. The policy think tank also notes that annually, an average of 4,760 Albertans were in hospital beds while waiting for spots to open up in continuing care facilities. Individuals who may face financial hardship from the charge can seek “possible government support and other benefits,” according to the Alberta legislature — the ALC charge does not apply if the transfer is for end-of-life care, however.

Source: CBC News March 09, 2026 12:30 UTC