Williams leaving won't affect MD vote: NLMA

A top official with the province's doctors group doesn't believe Premier Danny Williams's departure will influence physicians who are voting on a contract offer from the provincial government.

"I don't think Premier Williams's resignation will make any difference to how they vote," said Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association President Dr. Patrick O'Shea.

The medical association has recommended that doctors reject the government's package.

It's calling for doctors to be paid the same amount as their Atlantic Canadian colleagues after the first year of the contract.

The government offer phases in pay increases over four years that would bring doctors closer to pay equity each year.

Williams said Thursday that he is leaving politics on Dec. 3. The NLMA expects to have mailed-in votes from doctors by Dec. 13.

O'Shea hopes incoming premier Kathy Dunderdale will help the province's more than 1,000 doctors reach an agreement with the government.

"I think there's always a chance a new approach from a new premier would make some difference," he said. "As you know, we still negotiate with the minister of finance, Minister Marshall, who is still there and is the continuity."

The medical association and the provincial government have been trying to reach a new four-year agreement for almost two years.

The doctor's last agreement expired more than a year ago.