Richard Williams argued the Regional Health Authorities Act is relevant because it offers the province an "immunity provision." Section 61(1) of the act states neither the province nor the minister of health is liable "for an act or omission of a regional health authority official, a person on the medical staff or nursing staff of a regional health authority or an employee or agent of a regional health authority." Thomas's statement of claim names only the province as a defendant, not the regional health authorities, hospitals or medical personnel. It includes a toll-free trauma line and a no-refusal policy for patients in need of transfer to specialty sites. The province, in its statement of defence, contends the operation of the health care system and allocation of the health care budget are policy decisions and, as such, are not actionable.

Source: CBC News May 03, 2019 22:07 UTC