EDMONTON - On the province's deadline day, Alberta doctors rejected Health Minister Fred Horne's demand to identify $275 million in cuts to fees and programs.

"I have advised that the (Alberta Medical Association) will not participate in this process," AMA president Dr. Michael Giuffre said.

An imposed settlement from Horne won't sit well with the doctors, he said.

"We are moving forward on the next stage of legal options and are prepared to push the button on court action if necessary," Giuffre said.
The Tory government needs to come back to the bargaining table, he said.

"On top of budget reductions that reduce take-home pay for every one of us an average of 22.5%, he wants us to pay for an additional $275 million out of our existing payments," Giuffre said in a letter to members. "This is, essentially, a tax on physicians to pay for other things that government wants to do."

Giuffre also sent a letter to Premier Alison Redford, who said earlier this week she has no plans to intervene in the dispute.