``We're looking forward to working with physicians in this province to find a fiscally responsible way forward,'' Toews told reporters.

``But ultimately we need to ensure the minister of health has the ability to make the decisions required to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability to Alberta taxpayers.''

Premier Jason Kenney's United Conservative government introduced a budget last week that reduces spending and promises program and job reviews to get multibillion-dollar budget deficits back in balance by 2023.

The government has been relying on a panel report that said Alberta's doctors are making far more than other provinces and the main barrier to pay reform is the master agreement.

The panel, chaired by former Saskatchewan finance minister Janice MacKinnon, said that health spending, which makes up more than 40 per cent of the provincial budget, needs to be reduced.