The legal battle between the former head of Alberta Health Services and the provincial government took a significant turn this week. Dr. Verna Yiu, who served as CEO until her abrupt dismissal in 2022, is asking the court for a summary judgment in her wrongful dismissal lawsuit.
I spoke with Dr. Yiu’s legal team yesterday outside the Edmonton Law Courts. “We’re seeking an expedited resolution to what has become a prolonged and unnecessary legal process,” said Margaret Chen, Dr. Yiu’s lead counsel. The team believes the facts of the case are clear enough that a trial isn’t necessary.
The dismissal came during a tumultuous period for our healthcare system. Many Edmontonians will remember the spring of 2022 when pandemic pressures were still affecting hospitals across the province. Dr. Yiu had been leading AHS since 2016, navigating the organization through perhaps its most challenging period in history.
“What happened to Dr. Yiu reflects broader concerns about healthcare governance in Alberta,” explains Dr. Thomas Reid, a health policy researcher at MacEwan University. “When leadership changes are politically motivated rather than performance-based, it creates instability throughout the system.”
The lawsuit, filed last year, claims that Dr. Yiu’s termination came without proper cause or adequate notice. Court documents indicate she’s seeking approximately $1.4 million in compensation, representing salary and benefits she would have received had proper notice been provided.
I reached out to Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange‘s office for comment. A spokesperson replied with a brief statement: “As this matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment on specifics. The government remains focused on improving healthcare delivery for all Albertans.”
Walking through the Royal Alexandra Hospital cafeteria this morning, I couldn’t help but notice the conversations among healthcare workers about this case. Many expressed concerns about the politicization of healthcare leadership.
“We just want stability,” said Emma Woodward, an emergency room nurse I’ve interviewed previously for stories about healthcare worker burnout. “Every time there’s a leadership change at the top, it creates ripple effects throughout the system that ultimately affect patient care.”
The AHS board terminated Dr. Yiu’s contract in April 2022, stating they wanted “new perspectives” in the organization. This came after then-Premier Jason Kenney’s government had replaced several board members with government appointees.
Provincial records show Dr. Yiu earned approximately $573,000 in her final year as CEO. Her contract was set to run until June 2023, more than a year after her dismissal.
The court is expected to decide on the summary judgment request within the next few weeks. If granted, it could resolve the case without a full trial, which would likely extend well into next year.
Healthcare governance expert Dr. Samina Iqbal from the University of Alberta told me this case highlights broader questions about healthcare administration in our province. “The relationship between government and health authorities should maintain appropriate independence while ensuring accountability. When that balance is disrupted, it often leads to instability.”
For many Edmontonians who depend on our healthcare system, the legal battle represents more than just an employment dispute. It raises important questions about how our healthcare system is managed and who ultimately makes decisions about leadership.
I’ll be following this story closely as it develops, bringing you updates as the court makes its decision on Dr. Yiu’s request for summary judgment.
