Scathing new report into 2012 BC health ministry firings released

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VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – A provincial ombudsman report finds says eight government health researchers were terminated in 2012 because of a flawed and rushed investigation. It concludes key decision makers acted on incorrect information to support the decision to fire them. One man later took his own life. The report calls for goodwill payments from the government to those harmed, along with personal letters of apology.

Jay Chalke’s report, titled “Misfire,” concludes key decision makers acted on incorrect information to support the decision to fire the workers.

The deputy minister to Premier Christy Clark says the provincial government will accept all 41 recommendations coming out of the report into BC health ministry firings today.

Kim Henderson has also offered what she calls an “unqualified and comprehensive apology.”

One of the fired researchers, co-op student Roderick MacIsaac, later took his own life. “It was a terrible way for this decision to be made. And it is important to note that the deadline that drove that last second decision was entirely self-imposed, they could have and should have slowed down.”

He says it was wrong to announce an apparent RCMP investigation after the firings, especially given that wasn’t actually the case. “It was wrong to mention the RCMP because it failed to consider the impacts on individuals and it was misleading. The RCMP was not investigating and never did.”

Chalke is also critical of how the provincial government treated MacIsacc’s sister Linda Kayfish, who has been denied full disclosure for years. “It should not have been necessary for Mr. MacIsaac’s sister to hold a press conference in order for government to do the things that it subsequently did and for it to publicly acknowledge it’s re-appraisal of what happened which, up to that time, had been within government only.”

Chalke is making 41 recommendations to close what he calls a “dark chapter,” including offering goodwill payments to those harmed, ranging from $15,000 to $125,000 and personal letters of apology for some of the workers.

He also recommends the government honour MacIsaac’s memory by funding a $500,000 scholarship endowment at the University of Victoria. The workers were part of a drug-research program in 2012 when they lost their jobs amid allegations of inappropriate and potentially criminal conduct.

An independent report by Victoria lawyer Marcia McNeil in 2014 found the government’s internal investigation was grossly unfair, but she could not pin blame on any one person.

Deputy Minister to the Premier and head of the BC Public Service Kim Henderson issued the following statement on the report:

“The Government of British Columbia thanks the ombudsperson and his office for this report. It provides a definitive account of events for which the public service must be accountable.

This extensive review has allowed the ombudsperson to come to findings that show the failings of multiple departments. The ombudsperson’s report brings particular focus to the clear responsibilities within the public service.

On behalf of the Public Service of British Columbia, I want to offer an unqualified and comprehensive apology to all who were adversely affected by public service conduct.

Government will fully review the report, findings, and recommendations; but there is no question the public service must use this report as the basis for significant and meaningful action and changes.

I am committed to taking measures that address the report, and where appropriate go further, to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

BC NDP Leader John Horgan had this to say:

“On days like this, British Columbians expect leadership from their Premier. Instead, in the wake of a report showing her government completely at fault for this tragic series of events, Christy Clark refused to speak out or apologize. Yet again, she has flatly refused to take responsibility for the real damage her government has done to people. The researchers, their families, and British Columbians deserve better.”

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