Nothing concealed in cancer test scandal, Williams says

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams angrily denied suggestions Monday that his government did nothing with information that might have helped breast cancer patients.

Asked by Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones why the government knew about flawed breast cancer test results for about 18 months before the public became aware of the extent of problems at a St. John's lab, Williams fired back.

"The honourable member is trying to imply that myself, or the minister or my government sat on information that would affect the health of people in this province," Williams told the house of assembly Monday as it reopened after an Easter break.

"I can tell the people of this province that [neither I nor anyone] in my government under any circumstances would attempt to conceal or prevent the disclosure of information that would affect the health of people in this province," Williams said.

Williams had been out of the province on vacation when a judicial inquiry was told last week that the premier's office had been informed of problems at an Eastern Health lab in July 2005, at about the same time that former health minister John Ottenheimer was first briefed.

Additional exhibits tabled on Monday showed that the premier's chief of staff and communications director were also informed at that time.

However, Ottenheimer testified at the inquiry that he did not tell Williams or the rest of cabinet about the issue.

The inquiry, which is examining why hundreds of breast cancer patients received inaccurate hormone receptor tests, which may have led to them being given inappropriate treatment, has captivated public interest.

Last week, Ottenheimer testified that he had wanted to make the issue public immediately, but deferred to expert advice from Eastern Health staff, who did not want to cause panic among patients.

Ottenheimer, who resumed testimony on Monday, was questioned why there is little evidence to show he followed up with Eastern Health officials in 2005 about problems at the lab.

Jones, responding to Ottenheimer's testimony, questioned whether the government had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy about problems at the lab.

Williams told the legislature that he had no recollection of being told in July 2005 about problems at the lab. Williams said last year that he learned about hormone receptor test problems after they were reported in the media in October 2005.

Williams said he was reluctant to speak on the issue as the inquiry has now started and is expected to continue hearing evidence for months.

"I take full responsibility for any messages or communications that come to that office or to any of my staff," Williams told the legislature.

"The fact that I can't remember it doesn't mean it didn't happen."