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Conviction causes question of eligibility on board

Author

Jeanne Lepine

Volume

4

Issue

1

Year

1986

Page 4

Opposition MLA Jim Gurnett is questioning the system of public appointments, after Sam Bull of the Whitefish Band, a board member of the Northern Alberta Children's Hospital, was convicted of assault causing bodily harm.

Bull pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $500 or 50 days in jail on March 10 in St. Paul Provincial Court. He was also put on probation for a one year period. Despite his pleading guilty to the charge of assault causing bodily harm to his wife, Linda, Bull has indicated in an interview with the Edmonton Sun that he would like to remain on the board.

Windspeaker failed to reach Bull despite repeated attempts.

"I would hope the people I deal with on the board are broad-minded enough to look at it on an overall rather than on a restricted basis," Bull told the Sun March 13.

He expressed the desire to remain on the board, but would make no comment as to what he would do if asked to step down.

Hospital Minister Dave Russell said the attitude of the board members and the government was one of sympathy and understanding.

"It is important they find out to what extent this incident might affect his ability to function on the board and therefore affect the effectiveness of the entire board. No one wants to further persecute any individual because of an incident," he said.

Russell, who makes all board appointments, has to make the decision on Bull's status with the board.

"If Russell is convinced that this unfortunate incident will not effect Bull's or the board's credibility, he should publicly say so," said Gurnett.

"In the future, all appointments should be made with the minister, and he in turn should be fully aware of the appointee's background, thus avoiding any embarrassments in the future," he said.

Gurnett wouldn't say one way or another whether Bull should leave the hospital board.