Here are some questions asked by David on May 26, 2009:

Out-of-country Health Services

Dr. Swann: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today the Alberta

Ombudsman released his report on the administration of out-of country

health services. The fact that there are 53 recommendations

contained within the report speaks to a serious problem regarding

transparency and accountability in this program. To the minister.

It’s the minister’s responsibility to ensure fairness and transparency

of administration of all boards, committees, and agencies in his

ministry. Will the minister accept the recommendations from the

Ombudsman and fix this program?

Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, I don’t know how much more

arm’s-length and transparent one can be but to have an arm’s-length,

transparent, independent committee of experts that reviews out-of country

claims by Albertans. It’s that particular committee that

makes the decisions. I’m sure that the Leader of the Opposition –

I’m not sure if he’s asking for political interference in how this

committee operates. It’s a committee of medical experts that make

decisions based on medical evidence.

Dr. Swann: This is a program relied upon by vulnerable Albertans

in desperate situations. There have been previous concerns raised,

and the minister took no action. What is the minister’s explanation

for not fulfilling his responsibility to his office?

Mr. Liepert: Well, it sounds like the Leader of the Opposition is

asking for political interference in a committee that is at arm’s

length from the government, Mr. Speaker. This is a committee that

is set up to ensure several things. One, that those who need to seek

out-of-country services and cannot find them in this province have

that opportunity to be reimbursed. But we also have to ensure – and

that’s why the committee is in place – that we don’t have Albertans

jumping the queue and going out of province and getting reimbursed

by the taxpayers of Alberta.

Dr. Swann: Well, Mr. Speaker, the fact that the Ombudsman

initiated this on his own, one of a few instances in which he has done

that, suggests this minister is out of line with that remark.

Will the minister direct the Out-of-country Health Services

Appeal Panel to hear the four cases that the Alberta Ombudsman has

again identified for redress?

Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, the appeal panel has the Ombudsman’s

report, and they’ll act accordingly.