Having a work permit through the WHV program (now IEC) means that you had status as a worker.
It's obvious from posters with experience that Alberta seems to act arbitrarily. That makes me angry. Here's why. I had a case. I had a client who had been in Canada for almost 7 years. 4 years study permit and 3 years PGWP. Came to me at the last minute because had made mistakes in how to apply for PR. Had been living with her CL Canadian partner for 4 years but never considered applying for sponsorship in that manner. Thought she could go through one of the economic programs and she could have but she got confused and applied via the wrong one. At the time she contacted me her PGWP was expiring in 3 weeks, and her employer (a large hospital) would not participate in an LMO procedure (against policy). So the only reason for filing In Canada class was to be able to continue working and remain in Canada with her partner. This was back when AINP took 11 months.
A month after the application was submitted, she got pregnant. It was a very high risk pregnancy. And despite having lived for 7 years, studied, worked, CL relationship of 4 years and owning a home in Alberta, the Alberta Health Authority refused to give her health care coverage. She went to MPs, MLAs, media, etc. Nothing worked. By the grace of the universe and just some luck, AINP and the OWP was granted in 8 months rather than 11. She ended up having the baby 4 weeks early, just 1 month after receiving the OWP but luckily she had health coverage by that time and both mama and baby were fine.
The stress was overwhelming for her and her partner during that time. It could have gone very badly. This was only last year! So I'm not angry that anyone is receiving health care in Alberta as a visitor. I'm angry that it seems to be random. My client was on implied status as a worker and had been a tax paying contributor to the Albertan and Canadian economies for many years!
So be careful. I'm happy for those who are receiving health care coverage but it is NOT guaranteed by any means.
We were told that they will only give you health care under the circumstances stated in previous posts; we were always told that if applying inland, we would not be eligible for health care.