Doctor intimidation is not “workplace disagreement”
EDMONTON, AB (November 21, 2011): Premier Alison Redford’s flippant dismissal of Dr. Tony Magliocco’s claims of bullying and intimidation for his opposition to the closure of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre shows her government will continue to ignore health professionals who speak out.
Earlier today, Dr. Magliocco – who now resides in Florida – went public with information about the pending closure of cancer testing at Tom Baker and what it could mean for cancer patients in Alberta. He said he encountered intimidation and threats against his job from Superboard officials for asking questions about the planned closure.
He also said he would return to Alberta to testify at a judicial inquiry, should one be called.
In response to a question from Wildrose Health Critic Heather Forsyth in question period today, Redford said:
“We know that some of the information we’ve seen today would certainly suggest that there’s been a disagreement within the workplace with respect to some decisions. It’s entirely appropriate for those to be dealt with within the workplace, Mr. Speaker, and that’s where we’ll leave them.”
“Clearly, Ms. Redford is not serious about getting to the bottom of these claims,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said. “These are not mere workplace disagreements. There are serious patient care issues at stake here. As Dr. Magliocco said, lives are at stake. Ms. Redford has an obligation to treat this seriously and not dismiss it out of hand.
“Again I call on Ms. Redford to stop the Nov. 30 closure at Tom Baker, investigate Dr. Magliocco’s claims, and call a full independent public judicial inquiry immediately. Albertans need to know.”
The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.
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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:
Evan Menzies
Communications Assistant, Wildrose Caucus
Ph: 780-904-4913