MacIsaac’s sister demands accountability

The sister of Roderick MacIsaac, the University of Victoria PhD student who killed himself after the drug researcher firings, says she wants those “truly responsible” to be held accountable.

“Where are the investigators who cost Roderick his job and ultimately his life? Many of them have been promoted, been given raises. They have faced zero consequences,” Linda Kayfish said in a statement after the release of ombudsperson Jay Chalke’s report.

“I want the premier to look me in the eyes and take responsibility for the destruction and heartache her government has caused. I want her to promise me that there is going to be true accountability here, from her on down.”

MacIsaac and other researchers were fired in 2012 after the Ministry of Health alleged a privacy breach and contract irregularities, and claimed an RCMP investigation was underway.

The government eventually conceded the firing was wrong, and that the data had only ever been used for research purposes.

Kim Henderson, deputy minister to the premier and head of the B.C. Public Service, said the government will implement Chalke’s recommendations, including goodwill payments and a scholarship endowment.

She said Premier Christy Clark and cabinet support these actions.

Asked whether any employees will face discipline, Henderson said she needs time to consider Chalke’s advice, and noted that he said it is too late to assign blame.

“It is important for the Ministry of Health and the broader public service to begin the difficult work of reconciliation, not inflict more pain or engage in scapegoating,” Chalke’s report says.

Henderson said a reparation process for those affected by the firings has already been started.

A combined $150,000 has been recommended as a “goodwill” gift to Rebecca and Bill Warburton — but Rebecca Warburton, one of the fired researchers, said the proposed compensation for herself and for Bill, whose contract was cancelled, falls far short of what they lost.

Rebecca Warburton estimates the couple has lost more than $600,000, even after a settlement in December 2015. While Rebecca retained work at the University of Victoria, Bill has had trouble finding work.

“He’s probably lost 10 years of income,” Rebecca said.

“Money can’t fix everything, but money can fix financial losses. It’s easy: ‘What did you lose? We’ll pay you back.’ ”

Ramsay Hamdi, another fired employee, said in a statement that he has yet to receive a direct apology.

“From the beginning, the way the government chose to handle this matter has been disgusting. The deceptions and secrecy and foot-dragging ruined reputations, put us all through the emotional wringer and ultimately cost Roderick his life. It also derailed valuable health research that was benefitting the people of B.C.,” Hamdi said.

NDP Leader John Horgan said the report vindicates the public servants fired and “smeared” by the Liberal government.

“I’m pleased that it finally recognizes the damage this government did to the individuals and to health research in B.C.,” he said.

“The accusations were wrong, the investigations were wrong, the firings were wrong and the investigations after the fact were wrong.”

Horgan said the report also shows that the Clark government knew by late 2013 that the investigation had gone off the rails, and that it would have to settle with the fired researchers.

Yet despite discussing a possible review of the case, the government did nothing until Kayfish demanded answers at a press conference in September 2014.

“The approach the government took in this case was, in essence, to cover it up,” said Horgan, who credited the Times Colonist and other media outlets for keeping the story alive.