FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2021
Increased transparency and accountability in healthcare decision making with passing of Official Opposition Bill
Charlottetown, PE – After a fulsome debate in the Legislature, amendments to the Health Services Act introduced by the Official Opposition were passed today. These changes return authority back to health experts to implement our provincial wellness plans.
“I am pleased to see government recognize the need for increased transparency in the decision making process for health care,” said Trish Altass, Official Opposition Critic for Health and Wellness. “The changes I put forward for the Health Services Act give more power and authority to the Health PEI board to implement our provincial wellness plans. This change greatly reduces the possibility of political interference.”
The amendments came to a vote on April 8 and resulted in a tie vote. At that time the Speaker cast the deciding vote to keep the bill alive and continue debate.
“After the tie vote in the Legislature, I reached out to the Minister of Health and Wellness to discuss the concerns government had with returning authority to the Health PEI Board,” said Altass.
On April 15, the Official Opposition sent changes to its proposed legislation addressing feedback received from government back to them and other opposition MLAs for review. These amendments were reflected in the debate today and ultimately accepted into law.
These changes mean that, in limited circumstances, if the board makes a decision that does not align with the strategic plan or is not in the public’s best interest, the Minister can direct the board. In this situation, the Minister would be required to make the reason for directing the board public within 30 days. Today’s changes also clarify the hiring process of the Health PEI CEO. During the hiring process, the Health PEI board will recommend three candidates to the Minister and the Minister will choose from those three candidates.
“I am pleased to see government recognize the need for increased transparency in the decision making process for health care,” said Altass. “These amendments have been something past and current Health PEI board members have been asking for. These changes will increase confidence amongst healthcare professionals, making recruitment and retention easier and more successful.”
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Hamel
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (902) 213-0718
Email: jdhamel@assembly.pe.ca