Health Minister Doug Currie, wait for Health PEI details

Currie refused to answer details and said wait

PEI Opposition Leader Olive Crane asked, in today’s Question Period, if Health PEI Corporation would be arm’s length to the government. Will the employees lose their pension rights, job seniority? Will the Auditor General be able to audit the corporation which he cannot do now.

Doug Currie, the Minister of Health, gave vague assurances about the progressive nature of the changes but he was not willing to table any documents. Nor was he willing to discuss any issues in detail.

Crane pointed out that health care workers were concerned about their jobs and their ability to look for patients under their care.

Currie assured her that they are taking health care workers unto full consultation during the process. An advisory committee has listened to and consulted with all parties in the health care field, he said.

Currie would not commit that the Auditor General would be able to audit Health PEI. He did try to assure the Legislature that accountability is issue # 1. While the new corporation will be arms length, it will be accountable.

Health PEI will not own the underlying assets like buildings and equipment. It will be the operational arm of health care delivery on PEI.

When asked, he said he could not table the business plan or any documents that disclose the cost benefits analysis of Health PEI. He also refused to confirm if employees would still be part of the civil service. Crane claimed the last time the Liberals reorganized the department the employees ceased to be civil servants.

Crane stated that many are concerned PEI is moving down the road to health care privatization.

Currie continued to resist walking through the report or legislation although he did assure the Legislature a progressive model was being adopted.

He said Islanders would have plenty of time to review the business plan and legislation prior to its adoption by the government.