There are growing calls for Alberta to regulate massage therapy after a proposed class-action lawsuit involving more than 100 allegations of sexual assault at a Quebec spa. Advocates say the situation at Le Nordik Spa in Chelsea, Que., shows the risks of a profession that operates without provincial oversight. Like Alberta, Quebec does not regulate massage therapy, and clients lack consistent standards or safety protections.
Right now in Alberta, anyone can claim to be a massage therapist, regardless of training. The province has no licensing system, no public registry and no independent body to review complaints. Clients cannot easily check a therapist’s qualifications, and they have limited options when concerns arise. Many say this gap puts both the public and trained practitioners at a disadvantage.
Other provinces take a different approach. Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick regulate the profession through formal health colleges that set education standards, require ongoing licensing and manage complaints. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are also moving toward regulation. As more provinces adopt stronger oversight, Alberta remains one of the few without a consistent framework.
Massage therapists in Alberta have pushed for regulation for more than 30 years. In October 2024, they submitted a new application to Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, and the proposal is now under review. Supporters say regulation would strengthen public protection, improve professional consistency and offer clearer recognition within the health-care system.
Advocates continue to call for the province to regulate the profesion, noting that a modern oversight system would help clients make informed choices and support trained therapists in their work. Many believe this step would bring Alberta in line with national regulatory practices and provide a more reliable structure for the profession.
