PDD Appeal Panel (December 5)
Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week we heard that a decision of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Appeal Panel was quashed by Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench in part because the panel relied on evidence of an insider, an “expert witness,” who is also a PDD program employee.
To the Minister of Seniors. Supposedly, panel members are recruited through “an open, competency-based process.” How does the minister explain such apparent lack of competence on the part of those charged with making decisions impacting the crucial supports and services vulnerable Albertans receive?
Mr. VanderBurg: Mr. Speaker, I take very seriously the work that I do and that the department undertakes on behalf of vulnerable Albertans. I take exception that anybody would question the mainly volunteer base of our appeal panels. We recruit experts from all across the province to ensure that we have the right people with the right training to make the right decisions.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When children move to age 18, they run into a wall in PDD. It’s a regular occurrence. What requirements are currently in place to ensure that panel members possess the considerable expertise necessary to determine eligibility for PDD supports and services?
Mr. VanderBurg: Mr. Speaker, once again, I do recognize that there is an issue, you know, when you’re a youth under 18 versus someone who’s over 18 served in our department. It’s our intent and that of the members of the appeal panel to make sure they know the case that they’re dealing with in front of them. Our staff prepare and do lots of homework before they hear these appeals, sir.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. Chase: Thank you. Will the minister save other families $70,000 in legal fees and undertake today to tighten the recruitment process for panel members to ensure that the most qualified people are in place?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mr. VanderBurg: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again, I have to tell the member opposite that we do everything possible to recruit the right people to do the right job with the right training. These people are very valued members of our department and serve the needs of Albertans in an honourable way.
Thank you, sir.
Alberta Hansard, December 5, 2011