Alberta queue-jumping inquiry criticized for losing way, sandbagging witnesses
Posted Jan 7, 2013 11:17 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY – Two lawyers at Alberta’s queue-jumping inquiry that has resumed in Calgary say the hearing has lost its way and witnesses are getting sandbagged.
Justice John Vertes heard the complaints from a lawyer for the Alberta government and from another representing key witness Sheila Weatherill.
Government lawyer Vivian Stevenson said the inquiry is supposed to determine if queue-jumping is happening now, but questioning has evolved into a fishing expedition into unrelated events many years ago.
Vertes said he has to allow latitude in questioning because what happened before may have bearing on what’s happening now.
Mona Duckett, lawyer for former health CEO Weatherill, said questioning has been inadequate and witnesses receive little to no heads-up on what they will be asked about.
Vertes replied he appreciates the frustration, but the inquiry needs to remain fluid so lawyers can respond to new developments in testimony.
