Whistle for the firing squad

'Shut up or you'll be singing for your supper' is the message the NDP government has sent to Dr Jon Witt. The former head of emergency medicine has had to face some harsh music after blowing the lid off critical understaffing in the ER at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital.

Since when was free speech a firing offence while blatant criminal negligence in the ER goes virtually unnoticed? Far from killing free speech, Dr Witt's shoddy treatment has jumpstarted a mini protest movement in the province, inspiring outcries from health professionals and the public alike who've rightfully rallied behind his cause.

The situation can no longer be ignored. Our collective concerns shouldn't fall on deaf ears. We need laws to protect whistleblowers � people's lives are at stake, literally. So far, the only province in Canada to have such a law is New Brunswick. The feds are currently debating a whistleblower protection bill (Bill C-25) that had its second reading on April 2, but this so-called shield is so full of holes it's unlikely to protect anyone much.

As it currently stands, Bill C-25 would require public employees to exhaust all possible internal avenues to resolve the situation before seeking outside help. This could take years, giving administration ample time to 'deal' with any troublemakers.

Another area where the bill falls short is its failure to give the protection agency proposed by the bill the clout to penalize those who abuse their position and power. MPs should take action to amend Bill C-25 to ensure that those who speak out against misconduct don't get shafted. Protection for whistleblowers ultimately means protection for us all.
� Shereen Joseph, Editor