Appointment of Sask Party member to SHA leadership position draws criticism
The appointment of a Saskatchewan Party member to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Executive Leadership team is drawing criticism.
Earlier this week, Raynelle Wilson was named SHA Vice-President of Enterprise Initiatives Support. However, the NDP is raising concerns about Wilson’s credentials and what is behind her appointment.
In a statement, the province said Wilson has “significant experience” in the public sector, having serviced as President and CEO of Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and was Assistant Deputy Minster of Housing and Disability Services within the Social Services Ministry, among other past duties.
“The Government of Saskatchewan believes that qualified individuals are able to serve in the public sector, regardless of their political affiliation. For example, former NDP Cabinet Minister Bob Pringle was appointed under our government as the Children’s Advocate,” the province said in a statement.
But the NDP suggests the appointment is political as Wilson doesn’t have medical experience.
“The health authority needs to have an arms length independence from government. To be allowed to make health decisions based on science, based on what’s best for patients in Saskatchewan, not what’s best for Paul Merriman and Scott Moe’s political spin,” NDP Leader Ryan Meili said. “This is exactly what we now have is a person placed there with no qualifications except her loyalty to the premier.”
A letter to SHA staff members outlined Wilson’s role. “The SHA is seconding Raynelle for six months to provide executive leadership aimed at strengthening collaboration between the SHA, Ministry of Health and other key partners in support of achieving and reporting on priority enterprise initiatives. This work will align directly with SHA core values of collaboration and accountability and strengthen our profile, reporting and sharing of success stories with key partners.”
A government spokesperson said they were not able to provide any further detail on the SHA’s human resource process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.