Mason: Stelmach must stop ignoring doctors, call a

May 16, 2011

 Alberta’s NDP Opposition leader Brian Mason says the PCs will further alienate health professionals if he ignores new calls from sections of the Alberta Medical Association, representing thousands of doctors, for a public inquiry into doctor intimidation.

 “Doctor intimidation is a festering wound in our health system. The doctors have delivered their prescription – a full public inquiry. I think the Tories should take the doctors’ advice,” Mason says.

 Five of the AMA’s medical sections have now called for a judicial inquiry. Alberta’s NDP has repeatedly called for such an inquiry – judge led, able to subpoena witnesses and information, conducted openly, reporting directly to the public.

 “This Tory government ignored doctors’ advice on emergency wait times a few years ago – now our emergency rooms are in crisis. Albertans will pay the price if the PCs continue to ignore doctors when they call for a judicial inquiry,” Mason says. “That’s why Albertans deserve to see this investigation unfold before their eyes – it’s their health on the line.”