Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks in Edmonton on Wednesday Nov. 8, 2023. Alberta’s ethics commissioner says no rules were broken when the former chief medical officer of health was hired — then promptly fired — for a new job with the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
EDMONTON – Alberta’s ethics commissioner says no rules were broken when the former chief medical officer of health was hired – then promptly fired – for a new job with the province.
Marguerite Trussler says she found that the proper processes were followed when the job offer was revoked earlier this year for Dr. Deena Hinshaw in a new job at the Indigenous Wellness Core of Alberta Health Services.
Trussler announced the findings in a letter, dated Monday, that was released by Premier Danielle Smith’s office.
The letter comes after two senior Alberta Health executives said they quit in protest over Hinshaw’s termination alleging high-level political interference, including interference from Smith and former AHS chief executive Dr. John Cowell.
Trussler says while Cowell had input on the decision to terminate Hinshaw’s contract, there is no evidence he directed it.
Trussler says given there is no proof of Cowell’s direct involvement, she didn’t pursue an investigation of Smith.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2023
