NDP calls for judicial inquiry into political interference in the health system

Alberta’s NDP Opposition leader Brian Mason is calling on Premier Alison Redford to keep her promise and call a judicial inquiry under the Public Inquiries Act.

He joined other opposition parties in a united call today for an inquiry into political interference in the health system.

“I urge Premier Redford to avoid breaking another promise and use the tools she already has at her disposal to call a judicial inquiry without delay. It’s time to cut the talk and get on with the action,” Mason says. “There’s no reason for combining the Health Quality Council and a judicial inquiry except to create an opportunity for evading the truth.”

The opposition is united in its expectations of an inquiry. It must be held in public, presided over by a judge, and focus on alleged wrongdoing, intimidation and or interference in the health system. It must be called soon so Albertans will get to see preliminary findings at least before the next election.

“Ms. Redford made a promise to Albertans - a judicial inquiry, full stop. It’s time she follows through on that promise,” Mason says. “Albertans are concerned and deserve to know as soon as possible whether the PCs interfered in our health system – for example, by creating a culture of intimidation to prevent physicians from speaking out against Tory cuts, threatening the health of Albertans.”