We are again calling for a Public Inquiry in regard to the way people, primarily seniors, are being assessed for competency.We are challenging a severely flawed process that has existed for over 50 yrs.
A physician, has a powerful quasi-judicial position in society by virtue of the reliance on his assessments by the judicial system, in that his assessment can lead to the detaining of lawful citizens behind locked doors and removal of property and human rights.
The current standards required for a physician in the performance of his assessment are not well defined. We believe that if the judiciary is to rely on a physician’s assessment, specific standardsand criteria must be developed for the exercise and documentation of a physician’s assessment. These should include cross examination of the physician & documentation/affidavit testimony which outlines the process which was followed as well as practical avenues for appeal and review of that assessment.THE JUDICIARY, WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE, ARE RELYING ON AN OPINIONTHAT IS NOT WELL SUPPORTED.Seniors are being stripped of all rights by an unjust process that declares them incompetent to look after their finances and personal decisions.
We are calling for:1) hearings across the province of persons who have been victimized by a process that has no safe, measurable guidelines to ensure a fair, ethical assessment. Hearings to include those Alberta citizens who are detained behind locked doors who wish to be heard. The public needs to understand the magnitude of this issue.
2) establish legislated criteria & standards to govern the assessment protocol, that recognizes constitutional rights and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms
3) establish practical avenues of accessible, appeal protocol.
4) establish penalties for those who are in breach of legislation.
5) a definitive time line in regard to these undertakings.

July 24, 2009