General

Alberta gov’t accused of paying hush money to hide wait list problems

MLA suggests cover up of lung cancer deaths

Physician and rebel independent MLA Raj Sherman accused the Alberta government of contributing to the death of 250 lung-cancer patients by covering up the lack of hospital resources. “It has been brought to my attention that due to fierce competition for finite operating time between surgeons, about 1,200 Albertans were on a wait list for lung surgery [and] 250 died waiting on that list,” he told the Alberta legislature. He continued by saying that physicians who raised the issue were paid millions by Capital Health Region between 2003 an 2006 to keep quiet and/or leave the province. Sherman alleges a separate book was kept of the payouts. He did not disclose the source of the information. Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said he doesn’t know if the allegations are correct, but he plans to investigate. The speaker reminded the legislature that MLAs must provide proof to back up any allegations they make. Sherman was kicked out of the Progressive Conservative caucus in November for criticizing his over party over emergency room wait times.

CBC News

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