Sherman’s Ouster A Sad Day For Democracy In Alberta
EDMONTON, AB (November 22, 2010): Today, the Wildrose Caucus unanimously condemned Premier Ed Stelmach’s decision to kick Dr. Raj Sherman, MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark, out of the PC caucus over his expressed concerns about the crisis state of Alberta health care.
“This is democracy, Stelmach-style,” Danielle Smith said. “If you’re in his government, and you dare voice the concerns of the people who elected you, he gives you the boot. I wish I could say I was shocked when I heard the news. Unfortunately, it’s just another day at the office for this government.”
Sherman, an emergency room doctor, criticized Stelmach for breaking a promise to his fellow ER doctors and said the Alberta Health Superboard has failed in being accountable to Albertans for the delivery of health care.
Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Guy Boutilier, who was also booted from the PC caucus for expressing the views of his constituents, said Dr. Sherman learned the hard way that dissent is not tolerated in Stelmach’s government.
“I have the utmost respect for Dr. Sherman as an MLA,” Boutilier said. “Unfortunately, this Premier has no use for MLAs who do the right thing and advocate for their constituents.”
Wildrose Health Critic Heather Forsyth, MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek, said the Sherman dismissal is just another indicator that the Stelmach government has lost its way.
“How sad is it that the only MLA in the government who knows what he’s talking about and who has the courage to stand up tell the truth gets fired for doing so?” Forsyth asked.
Wildrose Deputy Leader Paul Hinman, MLA for Calgary-Glenmore, said Albertans are already paying the price for the Stelmach government’s obsession with the strict caucus discipline that cost Dr. Sherman his post.
“This Premier has severely limited the democratic process of speaking out against bad policy and process from elected MLAs and public servants who know things can be improved,” Hinman said. “This government has gagged health care professionals with its code of conduct and it has gagged MLAs.”
“The Government has clearly lost its mind – they just kicked out their only ER doctor in the midst of an ER crisis,” added Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson. “This is a dark day for democracy and for our health care system.”
The Wildrose Caucus believes in open and transparent government based on empowered MLAs who are accountable to their constituents first and foremost, free votes in the Legislature, fixed election dates, public disclosure of information, referenda and recall.
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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact the Wildrose Caucus at:
Brock Harrison
Communications Co-ordinator, Wildrose Caucus
Ph: 780-399-2890