Health Minister Gatan Barrette defends elimination of independent health watchdog

Quebec Health Minister Gatan Barrette stands by the province's decision to eliminate its independent health watchdog following public backlash.

The health and welfare commission which was created by Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard when he was health minister in 2006 published annual reports on the performance of the healthcare system.

• Quebec eliminates independent health watchdog
• Quebec Budget 2016: $2B surplus, but little spending wiggle room
• Quebec Budget 2016: How the numbers break down
• ANALYSIS |Philippe Couillard out to prove austerity measures worthwhile

The commissionwas abolished under the province's new budget, and itswork will now be divided by two health and social services organizations, according to Barrette.

"The commission has important functions," Barrette said. "But seeing as how they overlapped, it simply makes economic sense."

Robert Salois, the former commissioner who held the position since 2006, slammed the government earlier this week.

"Are we being punished because we were too good? Are we being punished because we tackled topics that were too 'touchy?'" Salois asked.

A possible conflict of interest

Work previously done by the commissionwill now be handled bythehealth ministry and health research institute (INESSS) and the Public health expertise and reference centre (INSPQ).

The commission was tasked with pointing outgapsin health and social services across Quebec, and also examinedhowQuebec's system compares toothers in Canada.

The INSPQis overseen by Nicole Damestoy, who isthe partnerof Dr. Patrick Harris,a friend of Barrette.

Barrette immediately refuted journalists who asked if the INSPQwas in the best situation to criticize the healthcare system and added that hedoes not know Damestoy personally.

"So obviously in Quebec, a competent individual cannot hold a position if she had a conversation at one point with the minister of health," Barrette said.

"It's unrelated," Barrette said. "She's there, she's an individual that I don't know personally she's there because of her qualifications."

Opposition, healthcare unions denounce abolishment

Quebec opposition was quick to criticize the decision, with Parti Qubcois health critic Diane Lamarre saying it was dangerous.

• Quebec close to eliminating 1,300 healthcare jobs
• Quebec health cuts are short-sighted, expert warns

The Quebec Medical Association, which represents 10,000 doctors across the province, is also opposed to the move.

"By eliminating the office, the Couillard government is sending a very clear messagethat it won't tolerate criticism," said the association in a statement.

Members of the Fdration Interprofessionnelle de la Sant du Qubec (FIQ), the union representing most of the province's nurses, said the move was the end of independence and objectivity.