Williams rejects bullying accusations over cancer inquiry

Premier Danny Williams denies that he is trying to intimidate Newfoundland and Labrador's breast cancer inquiry, even as he criticizes how the inquiry is operating.

Williams sparked an uproar last Thursday evening when he used the words "witch hunt" to describe the tone of the inquiry, which he said he has become too adversarial and like a prosecution.

The issue erupted in the house of assembly Monday, with politicians accusing each other of using breast cancer patients for political purposes.

Earlier that day, a government lawyer appeared before Justice Margaret Cameron, to ask for "clarification" on the rules that Cameron herself set for inquiry lawyers.

At the legislature, Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones noted that Williams only a few weeks ago had said he may not answer any questions about the inquiry.

"Recent comments by the premier stating that the inquiry has become a prosecution certainly leads one to believe he has had a change of heart," said Jones, who accused Williams of political interference.

"Why would you make these [new] statements that are nothing more than an attempt to undermine the integrity of the Cameron inquiry that is ongoing?"

Williams denied that the government is trying to rein in the inquiry, even as government ministers express concerns about its speed and cost.

"There is absolutely no intention whatsoever to undermine the integrity of the Cameron inquiry," said Williams.

"The reason I make these statements is out of a genuine concern for the patients, for the citizens of this province, and for the health-care system in this province."

Physicians' complaints prompted comments: premier

Williams referred to a meeting he held Thursday with pathologists, oncologists and other specialists about a pending government offer on increasing remuneration and addressing working conditions.

"You could see, from these doctors, that particular division of the health-care system was basically a house of cards

"Concerns were actually expressed to me by doctors in that room that patients were being adversely affected by the inquisitorial tone, and when I say inquisitorial tone, it was under the terms of the Spanish Inquisition — that was actually the term that was used to me by a doctor in that room," Williams told the house.

"So I reflected their concerns and I have decided to reflect them publicly to make sure that the inquiry was being conducted in a proper manner."

New Democratic Leader Lorraine Michael questioned Williams on the consequences of his recent comments on breast cancer patients, some of whom have spoken out against the government for a perceived threat of curbing the inquiry's work.

"I am wondering ... if you will stand and make an apology to the women and the families for the rash comments," Michael asked Williams.

'Pure, raw politics'

Williams, though, fired back at Michael.

"There is pure, raw politics at its very best, what you are playing over there now. I would expect a lot better from you, I really would," Williams said.

Justice Minister Jerome Kennedy contributed to the controversy by telling a St. John's open-line radio program on Friday that the inquiry's costs are mounting, and that witnesses are spending too much time on the stand.

At the inquiry Monday, Cameron challenged Jackie Brazil, the government lawyer who appeared to present an argument on whether inquiry counsel should have the right to cross-examine every witness. Cameron told Brazil to prepare a written brief no later than Tuesday afternoon, and said she will respond to it next week.

Cameron also said that she is working under the assumption that her request for an extension will not be granted.

However, Williams indicated that cabinet will likely approve an extension.

"If Madam Justice needs more time, then she will certainly have more time," Williams said.

"We are just asking commission counsel to play by the rules."

Cameron began hearing evidence in March, following a delay caused by Eastern Health's unsuccessful bid in Newfoundland Supreme Court to block the public release of external reviews that found serious deficiencies how the authority's lab worked.

Cameron was given a deadline of July 30. She has asked for a delay until the end of February.

Patients want 'full disclosure': cancer society

Peter Dawe, executive director of the Canadian Cancer Society's Newfoundland and Labrador division, said politicians should not assume that the Cameron inquiry should be abbreviated on their behalf.

"I don't think it matters if it takes eight months or 12 months or 18 months," Dawe said.

"That's not the point … The people that were affected directly deserve this inquiry, the full inquiry, and from what we've been hearing, they certainly want to see that full disclosure and a [result so that] no one is going to look back and question the process when it's over," Dawe said.

"They want it all out there."

Leslie MacLeod, president of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, said the government should not worry about the cost or length of the inquiry.

"Almost every inquiry, I think, has taken far longer than it was expected to," she said.

"It's quite unfair to turn around and blame the inquiry for difficulties with the system that was obviously flawed in the first place and has resulted in the problem that's being explored today."

Meanwhile, Williams, who will be called to testify at the inquiry, said he is not trying to sway the inquiry before he sits in the witness seat himself.

"I don't need to reign any counsel in. They can have a free-for-all with me," Williams told reporters outside the legislature.

"I can serve notice now. If they want to cross-examine, direct examine, re-examine — they can do whatever they want with me, because I'm experienced, I know what I'm talking about," he said.

"I know that our government here is as clean as a whistle. I've said right from the start that we have absolutely nothing to hide."