‘Mr. Fix It’ testifies at queue-jumping inquiry

Among the high-profile names who took the stand in the preferential treatment inquiry on Tuesday, including the former Health Minister and the man referred to as ‘Mr. Fix It’.

Brian Hlus testified at the queue-jumping inquiry Tuesday afternoon – after his name was brought up in earlier testimony from former AHS CEO Stephen Duckett, who said he was the go-to guy for preferential treatment.

Hlus, who was the former Director of Governmental Relations of Capital Health, denied that he had any role in adjusting waiting lists for medical treatment.

He said he heard about Duckett’s accusations of him through Twitter.

That testimony came after former MLA and Health Minister Ron Liepert answered questions on his knowledge of the alleged preferential treatment.

In his testimony, he said he was aware of allegations of queue-jumping, but said those allegations were never confirmed.

“There have been instances of people making those kinds of accusations, but I’ve never known them to be proven,” Liepert said.

The former minister shed more light on a decision that was made while he was minister – to allow Calgary Flames players and their families’ access to the H1N1 vaccine ahead of the high-risk population.

Liepert said he was shocked that had been allowed to happen – but it was up to Alberta Health Services, and not his office, to investigate the incident.

He was also questioned on his earlier criticism on the $10 million inquiry – to which he made no comment.

The inquiry also heard from Lynn Redford, the premier’s sister, who was called to testify on her time as senior executive with the Calgary Health Region.

“I have not been involved in adjusting wait lists for anyone, nor have I been involved in expediting care for anyone,” Redford testified.

The inquiry breaks Wednesday, but will continue Thursday in Edmonton with testimony from NDP Leader Brian Mason and Liberal Leader Raj Sherman.

With files from Serena Mah