It’s virtually unprecedented to hear a sitting premier complain that an inquiry’s lawyers were being too tough, or for a sitting justice minister to start complaining about costs before an inquiry had even completed its report.
It may well be that the premier and his ministers merely feel they are answering the questions put in front of them — but if that’s the case, why, so few months ago, was the premier himself so concerned about the impact of answering questions within the confines of the provincial legislature? - THE TELEGRAM
The political meanderings surrounding the Cameron Inquiry are threating to eclipse the commission for newsworthiness. A couple of interesting stories broke today related to the government's position.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association has told the Telegram that at no time during last week's meeting between doctors and the government did the Cameron Inquiry come up, despite suggestions by Premier Danny Williams that it did. Then there is the CBC interview with Justice Gomery on this morning's Morning Show which really made the provincial government position look ill advised. Then there is today's critical editorial in the Telegram which basically suggests the government put a sock in it and take a hands off approach to the inquiry.
Now the issue which I have predicted from the start would help define this inquiry has begun to surface. Budgets and budget cuts. Lawyer Peter Brown, who represents pathologist Dr. Kara Laing and other doctors, asked former Eastern Health CEO George Tilley about his role in identifying possible budget reductions in the lab. Documents show the lab was asked to save $1 million in 1997-98. Tilly agreed with Brown that the environment was one of constantly looking for cost-cutting opportunities throughout the system. Quality was always important to the health authority, Tilley said, but outside the organization restructuring and efficiencies were seen as a prime focus.
I assume outside the organization means government.
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