Williams rejects bullying accusations over cancer inquiry
Premier Danny Williams denies that he is trying to intimidate Newfoundland and Labrador’s breast cancer inquiry, even as he criticizes how the inquiry is operating.
Williams sparked an uproar last Thursday evening when he used the words “witch hunt” to describe the tone of the inquiry, which he said he has become too adversarial and like a prosecution.
The issue erupted in the house of assembly Monday, with politicians accusing each other of using breast cancer patients for political purposes.
Earlier that day, a government lawyer appeared before Justice Margaret Cameron, to ask for “clarification” on the rules that Cameron herself set for inquiry lawyers.
At the legislature, Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones noted that Williams only a few weeks ago had said he may not answer any questions about the inquiry.
“Recent comments by the premier stating that the inquiry has become a prosecution certainly leads one to believe he has had a change of heart,” said Jones, who accused Williams of political interference.
“Why would you make these [new] statements that are nothing more than an attempt to undermine the integrity of the Cameron inquiry that is ongoing?”
Williams denied that the government is trying to rein in the inquiry, even as government ministers express concerns about its speed and cost.
“There is absolutely no intention whatsoever to undermine the integrity of the Cameron inquiry,” said Williams.
“The reason I make these statements is out of a genuine concern for the patients, for the citizens of this province, and for the health-care system in this province.”
Source : www.cbc.ca
