Ethics Inquiry Unveiled: Dr. Deena Hinshaw's Removal from Indigenous Health Team Sparks Investigation in Alberta
In the wake of the controversial hiring and subsequent removal of Dr. Deena Hinshaw from a position within an Indigenous health team at Alberta Health Services, the unfolding events have led to more than 100 physicians advocating for an ethics investigation. CBC News has learned that Alberta Ethics Commissioner Marguerite Trussler initiated an inquiry into the matter several months ago, following the public outcry.
Although the exact timeline and current status of the investigation remain unclear, two individuals who resigned in protest over perceived interference in staffing a health position confirmed that they provided testimony to Commissioner Trussler in October. Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, a respected Indigenous physician who spearheaded the team responsible for selecting Hinshaw, and Dr. Braden Manns, a former senior executive at AHS to whom Tailfeathers' team reported, revealed their involvement in the investigation.
The Office of the Ethics Commissioner refrained from commenting or confirming the ongoing investigation, citing restrictions imposed by the Conflicts of Interest Act. The Act limits the commissioner to scrutinizing the conduct of members of the legislature and individuals in ministerial positions, focusing primarily on narrow definitions of conflict of interest.
In August, Trussler sent letters to Tailfeathers and Manns, obtained by CBC News, indicating her investigation into "the revocation of the appointment of Dr. Hinshaw." However, the letters provided no additional details regarding the scope of the inquiry. The heart of the controversy revolves around the rescinding of a job offer to Hinshaw in June 2023, just days before she was slated to assume the role of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Lead with the Indigenous Wellness Core—an AHS program dedicated to Indigenous healthcare.
The position, pivotal in advancing Indigenous healthcare strategy in Alberta, was posted in January, with a selection committee evaluating a shortlist of candidates. Dr. Tailfeathers emphasized the importance of having a public health physician to drive the Indigenous health care strategy forward and implement public health measures. The unfolding investigation continues to cast a spotlight on the intricate circumstances surrounding Dr. Hinshaw's appointment and subsequent removal, sparking broader discussions on ethics and decision-making within Alberta Health Services.
The committee's selection of Dr. Deena Hinshaw for a key role within an Indigenous health team wasn't solely based on her expertise in public health policy but also on her strong relationships with Indigenous leaders. In an unusual move for a part-time position without direct oversight of other roles, approval to hire Hinshaw came from Dr. John Cowell, then the administrator of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and its highest decision-maker, as revealed by CBC News in June.
This approval, according to Dr. Braden Manns, a former senior executive at AHS, was unconventional due to the unique sensitivities surrounding Hinshaw. She had been a prominent and controversial figure as Alberta's chief medical officer of health during the pandemic until her dismissal by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in November 2022.
The internal announcement of Hinshaw's new role within AHS on June 1 triggered swift public outrage after being leaked online, particularly from the UCP base that propelled Smith into the premier's office. Subsequently, Hinshaw was swiftly removed from the position, leading both Manns and Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, the Indigenous physician who led the team selecting Hinshaw, to resign from AHS in protest.
In interviews with CBC News, Manns and Tailfeathers emphasized the severe impact of this decision on Indigenous health care, affecting both practical aspects and the trust relationship between Indigenous communities and healthcare institutions. Manns described it as a crossing of his "red line" in terms of ethical considerations.
When contacted, Dr. John Cowell declined to comment on whether he testified in the ongoing ethics investigation. Dr. Hinshaw, in an email response, also refrained from commenting. CBC News sought responses from other AHS leadership figures during the incident, but none provided statements.
In response to inquiries about any involvement from political staff in revoking Hinshaw's job offer, the premier's office directed questions to the ethics commissioner. The press secretary, Sam Blackett, emphasized that final staffing decisions rested with AHS. Notably, both Tailfeathers and Manns testified separately before Ethics Commissioner Marguerite Trussler on October 4, bringing along all relevant documentation and correspondence related to Hinshaw's appointment and subsequent dismissal. The unfolding investigation continues to shed light on the intricate circumstances surrounding the controversial events within Alberta Health Services.
As per legal protocol, any findings from Ethics Commissioner Marguerite Trussler's investigation would be submitted to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. The Speaker is mandated to present the report to the legislature during sessions and publicly release copies when the legislature is not in session. As of now, the Office of the Speaker has not received the report.
Dr. Braden Manns, who resigned in protest over the rescinding of Dr. Deena Hinshaw's contract, deems the action unethical and asserts its broader implications. He emphasizes that this move essentially barred Dr. Hinshaw, a physician, from future work in Alberta, a decision he sees as ethically questionable.
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers views Hinshaw's removal from a crucial Indigenous health position as part of a more extensive ethical lapse. She underscores the ethical obligation for Alberta to address pressing issues, such as drug poisoning deaths and a rising mortality rate, particularly affecting Indigenous populations. In her perspective, the failure to act ethically contributes to the disproportionately high mortality rate among Indigenous people in the province.
Tailfeathers emphasizes the need for a public health physician to advance strategies and implement crucial public health measures. The broader context of the ethical debate extends beyond individual decisions to a systemic failure in addressing pressing health concerns in Alberta.
Journalist Taylor Lambert, the producer of investigative and enterprise journalism at CBC Edmonton, is at the forefront of reporting on this issue. Lambert, whose books and reporting on Alberta have earned numerous awards, invites tips and information in confidence via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or anonymously through SecureDrop.
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In conclusion, the unfolding events surrounding the removal of Dr. Deena Hinshaw from a crucial Indigenous health position within Alberta Health Services have prompted a thorough ethics investigation by Commissioner Marguerite Trussler. The investigation, initiated in response to over 100 physicians' calls for scrutiny, remains in progress, with the report expected to be presented to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
The controversy, marked by the unusual rescinding of Dr. Hinshaw's contract and the subsequent resignations of key figures like Dr. Braden Manns and Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, has exposed ethical concerns not only in the specific personnel decision but also in the broader approach to addressing pressing health issues in Alberta.
Manns emphasizes the ethical implications of barring Dr. Hinshaw from future work in the province, while Tailfeathers sees the incident as emblematic of a more extensive ethical failing in the province's healthcare system. She underscores the urgent need for ethical action to address rising mortality rates and the disproportionately high number of Indigenous people affected.
As the investigation continues, journalist Taylor Lambert, recognized for his award-winning investigative reporting on Alberta, remains at the forefront of covering this complex issue. The commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is highlighted by CBC, offering Closed Captioning and Described Video services for their content.
The conclusion underscores the importance of ethical decision-making in healthcare, calling attention to the broader systemic challenges faced by Alberta in addressing critical health issues. The outcome of the ethics investigation and the subsequent actions taken by Alberta Health Services will likely have far-reaching implications for the province's healthcare landscape.