Breast cancer inquiry delayed again

Proceedings at Newfoundland and Labrador's breast cancer inquiry were delayed again Friday as lawyers dealt with newly uncovered evidence.

Bern Coffey, co-counsel for the commission of inquiry, said dozens of documents that were presented Thursday are still being processed.

As well, Coffey said that the "finalized version" of some documents has not yet been received.

Justice Margaret Cameron said it is important for the public to understand that it takes time to process documents, including redacting details that may affect patient privacy.

Documents are inputted into a formal computer system and then must be shared with other counsel.

"It is a sometimes work-intensive process," Cameron said.

"I wanted those who aren't [or who] have not been involved to understand that it is not a quick, automatic process, that it does involve some work on behalf of commission staff and counsel before you can then proceed with the documentation to use it in this room," she said.

Coffey said the commission will be ready to continue with testimony on Monday.

The inquiry has been given little indication about what the documents are about and whether any are critical to the inquiry's investigations.

Judy Janes, a breast cancer patient living in Boswarlos, on the Port au Port Peninsula, told CBC News Friday she is suspicious that dozens of e-mails and documents could somehow be missed.

She said she believes the provincial government sat on the information in hopes it would not have to produce it.

"I think — without pointing blame or fingers at anybody — I think they realized they were in over their heads and they better come clean and get it out."

Norman White, who testified at the inquiry earlier about his breast cancer, said the delays are only contributing to his feelings of mistrust.

"With all these e-mails that are coming … how much would've been covered up if this issue hadn't come forward right now?

"This is what I for one [would like to know], and I'm sure the other patients and whatever are thinking the same thing."

Former minister to resume testimony

Former health minister John Ottenheimer is expected to continue his testimony on Monday and be cross-examined by other lawyers.

Ottenheimer has revealed that he wanted the public to be notified in July 2005 when he first learned of problems with hormone receptor tests, but deferred to advice from medical experts at the Eastern Health authority.

Hormone receptor tests are used to help determine the best course of treatment for a breast cancer patient. The inquiry is determining how the lab produced hundreds of inaccurate results between 1997 and 2005.

Hearings were suspended Tuesday morning when the inquiry was told that a senior government official, Robert Thompson, had uncovered five e-mails dating from July 2005 that had not been found during an original search.

Then, on Thursday, government counsel Rolf Pritchard said about 40 e-mails and documents had subsequently been uncovered.

The inquiry has been told that a switch in government e-mail systems may have accounted for the documents and messages being missed.