Health P.E.I. CEO departure another symptom of 'crumbling' system, Opposition says

Opposition parties and unions are concerned about what the resignation of Dr. Michael Gardam as CEO of Health P.E.I. could mean for the Island's health-care system.

After three years on the job, Gardam announced in a letter to health-care colleagues he would be leaving his position in late March due to personal reasons.

Hal Perry, interim leader of the Liberal Party, said the CEO is leaving at a "critical time."

"We're at a point where health-care delivery on Prince Edward Island has completely crumbled and just when you think it's hit that point, something else happens," Perry said.

"Contract negotiations with Island family doctors begin this fall. Who leads these negotiations given this announcement?  If he is, wouldn't he be seen as a lame CEO duck within these negotiations? So these are huge concerns."

There are more than 700 vacancies in the health-care system, and more than 30,000 Islanders don't have a family doctor.

Perry said the way Gardam's departure was announced is problematic. He said Health Minister Mark McLane should have communicated the news to Islanders — especially when there is so much uncertainty in the health-care system.

In a statement to CBC News, McLane said his office received Gardam's letter Friday.

"In the coming days, I will meet with the Health P.E.I. board to discuss next steps in succession planning and ensuring a smooth transition," McLane said.

"I want to sincerely thank Dr. Gardam for his work to improve health care in Prince Edward Island. There has been a lot of progress made under his leadership, and I look forward continuing to make progress in the months and years to come."

Interim Green Party Leader Karla Bernard said she was disappointed by the resignation, but "unfortunately not surprised."

"It's something that honestly would creep into my mind fairly consistently is, 'I wonder how long we'll keep Dr. Gardam,'" she said.

The entire board of Health P.E.I. in 2018. Chair Derek Key resigned last year, citing inefficient hiring practices and a "pervasive" lack of accountability.

Bernard said Gardam's resignation is an opportunity for government to "take the politics out of health care" and give more autonomy to Health P.E.I.