Independent MLA Raj Sherman announced he’ll be running for the leadership of the Alberta Liberals after David Swann steps down later this year.
Sherman said he would honour the wishes of his constituents and sit as an independent until the next election. By doing so, he qualifies for about $96,000 more in research funding.
Sherman said the Liberals best fit with his personal philosophy.
He was booted out of the Tory caucus last fall after publicly criticizing the Stelmach government’s handling of health care.
Raj Sherman will speak in St. Albert at the monthly Seniors United Now (SUN) meeting on March 28.
The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) would support a public inquiry into the province’s health care system, according to a letter president Dr. Patrick White sent to colleagues last week.
The letter was written in response to allegations, brought forward by independent MLA Raj Sherman, that hundreds of patients died while awaiting emergency care and cancer treatment.
Alberta opposition parties banded together earlier this month to press the government to launch a full and transparent inquiry into Sherman’s allegations.
Sherman also alleges doctors who spoke out were intimidated by health care officials and that the government paid millions to silence them.
The province has said the Health Quality Council (HQC) of Alberta will conduct a review to determine if wait times compromised the delivery of health services in emergency department and cancer care services.
In his letter, White says many physicians are concerned they will not be heard or may face negative consequences if they speak out and advocate for their patients.
“I have no doubt that the first instinct of physicians is always to stand up for patients, but the fact that these perceptions are out there at all is a source for concern,” White wrote.
“While I am not an expert in the various approaches that may be taken, an open and full review is needed to clear the air and move forward. The AMA will support and cooperate with such an approach if this occurs.”
Alberta Health Services reiterated Wednesday that doctors have an obligation to advocate for their patients and the health system as a whole.
According to an open letter to physicians from AHS, there are “multiple avenues and mechanisms” for doctors to discuss and report patient care issues.
“The AHS Code of Conduct does not restrict a physician or other practitioner to speak out, quite the opposite. In essence, we are required to bring our concerns forward; we are not merely given permission to do so,” the letter reads.
