Monday, April 14: Peter Guthrie, a UCP backbench MLA (Airdrie-Cochrane), breaks with caucus ranks to call on the provincial government to launch a judge-led public inquiry into the “Corrupt Care” allegations surrounding Alberta Health Services’ procurement processes.
Tuesday, April 15: Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe’s contract ended this week, leaving Alberta without a top doctor during an ongoing measles outbreak. Joffe did not conduct any interviews about the outbreak but released a statement last week urging Albertans to ensure they are fully immunized.
April 15: The UCP government introduces Bill 53, The Compassionate Intervention Act, by which someone can be forced into involuntary treatment for substance addictions by family members, guardians, healthcare professionals or police.
Wednesday, April 16: MLA Peter Guthrie is expelled from the UCP caucus. In his Feb 25 letter of resignation from cabinet, Guthrie had directly accused Health Minister Adriana LaGrange of deception around her knowledge of procurement issues with Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services.
April 16: Mediation between the government and the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees has broken down. The AUPE calls for a strike vote. Member town halls will be held on April 30 and May 1. The union is asking for a 24 per cent pay increase over four years, while the province is offering 11.5 per cent over the same period.
Thursday, April 17: Former UCP energy minister Sonya Savage is compelled per a Canada Supreme Court ruling to testify in a lawsuit launched by coal companies seeking billions in compensation from the province.
