Alberta doctors call for investigation, apologize for decision on Hinshaw
EDMONTON — More than 100 doctors in Alberta have signed an open letter to express concern over a decision to withdraw a job offer to the former county health chief.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw was reportedly hired and then removed from a position at Indigenous Wellness Core, an Alberta Health Services program focused on Indigenous health.
CBC News reported last week that it led to the resignation of the group’s medical director, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, who said she left out of frustration with the move.
The doctors sent the letter to Dr. John Cowell, the chief administrator of Alberta Health Services, and Prime Minister Danielle Smith saying the situation has damaged the relationship between doctors and the province.
They say it also harms Albertans, especially those who are Indigenous.
The doctors are asking for an investigation into the ethics and integrity of Hinshaw’s removal from the role and an apology to both Hinshaw and Tailfeathers.
Hinshaw, who was Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic, was removed by Smith shortly after she became prime minister.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 26, 2023.
