Heading to meetings with provincial and federal counterparts, Alberta Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky opened the door to more discussion around a controversial new multiple sclerosis treatment -- but wouldn't commit to funding clinical trials of the unproven therapy.

Zwozdesky said he'll seek more information on the so-called liberation procedure during the annual meetings with the nation's health ministers in Newfoundland and Labrador beginning today.

The federal government is holding off on funding nationwide clinical trials on the treatment proposed by an Italian doctor after expert MS researchers said last month there isn't enough scientific evidence to prove it's safe or effective.

Saskatchewan has promised to forge ahead and finance clinical trials, whether or not there's support from Ottawa.

Zwozdesky said he's planning to have a private conversation with Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris to learn more details about that province's approach.

"I'd be interested to know what their framework is and what the terms of reference for that will be, what the costs will be, where they intend to do that," Zwozdesky said.

The minister said he'll also explore whether Saskatchewan is looking for other provinces to "become partners" with them, and take that information back to his Alberta government colleagues.