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“We expect the Ombudsperson’s investigation to uncover the facts and to have the ability to compel testimony." — Stephanie Smith, BCGEU President
Vancouver (07 July 2015) — While an independent inquiry would have been preferable to asking the Ombudsperson to investigate the Health Ministry firings, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) said the union will fully participate in the investigative process.
BCGEU/NUPGE remains concerned with unanswered questions
“We have repeatedly called for a full public inquiry, and would have preferred this avenue to fully investigate the firings at arms length from government,” said BCGEU President Stephanie Smith.
The BCGEU/NUPGE will fully cooperate in the Ombudsperson’s investigation, assuming the Ombudsperson chooses to take it on. The union previously cooperated with the McNeil report.
BCGEU/NUPGE believes that key questions remain unanswered: who made the dismissal decisions, and what factors were considered. The government needs to hold to account the people responsible for violating the BC Public Service Agency’s own investigation protocols and best practices.
“We expect the Ombudsperson’s investigation to uncover these facts and to have the ability to compel testimony,” added Smith.
More information:
BCGEU renews call for public inquiry into health firings
BCGEU calls for a commission of enquiry in Ministry of Health firing
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE