It appears a high noon battle could be on the horizon between the province and its 7,200 doctors.

Back in March, days before the Alberta election was called, the Redford government agreed to a $181 million fee increase for Alberta Medical Association members.

In light of the Redford Government declaring on Thursday that it could now be facing a deficit up to $3 billion this fiscal year, Finance Minister Doug Horner is indicating that there is no “pot of money” for a new agreement.

The AMA contract expired 17 months ago, and today’s Calgary Herald indicates doctors may be on the verge of launching an advertising campaign to sway public sentiment.

Liberal Health Critic Dr. David Swann says the Redford government should be turning its attention to improving the medical system instead of appearing to renege on its deal with physicians.