Ministry rehires another fired health researcher
NDP says move is an ‘indication the government knows it did something wrong’ in 2012 cull of employees
VICTORIA — B.C.’s health ministry has rehired another of the researchers it fired as part of a botched 2012 investigation.
David Scott, who the government forced out of the Ministry of Health more than three years ago, was rehired this week as a health economist in the ministry’s business analytics, strategies and operations unit. He started work on Friday.
“Mr. Scott applied for a position and was hired through an objective competitive process,” ministry spokeswoman Sarah Plank said in a statement. “Regular appointments to the B.C. public service are based on the principle of merit and a process that appraises the knowledge, skills and abilities of eligible applicants.”
Scott was one of eight employees and contractors who lost their jobs in the 2012 firings. The government has since admitted it overreacted, based partly on a flawed and unfair internal investigation into allegations of drug research contracting irregularities and data security issues.
“The fact the ministry of health has rehired him is an indication the government knows it did something wrong, even if it hasn’t admitted it formally,” said NDP critic Adrian Dix. “(Scott) did internationally recognized work, is a remarkable guy, and a really fine man. He was caught up in this incompetent investigation.”
The province has apologized to some of those fired, rehired others, and settled several wrongful-- dismissal lawsuits. Premier Christy Clark has also publicly apologized to the family of co-op student Roderick MacIsaac, who committed suicide three months after being fired.
But the government has largely ignored the two fired unionized researchers, Scott and economist Ramsay Hamdi. Both had their cases settled by the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (their firings were converted to technical resignations), but neither received severance, an apology or their jobs back.
Scott had to apply and compete for this new job as an external candidate, said his lawyer, Gary Caroline.
“The position pays less than what he was earning when he was fired,” said Caroline. “He is treated as a new employee.”
But Scott is nonetheless happy to return to the civil service, said Caroline. “It has been very difficult for him,” he said. “So the fact that he has a job back at the ministry is extremely positive for his own well being.”
B.C.’s Ombudsperson is investigating the firings.
David Scott) was hired through an objective competitive process. SARAH PLANK HEALTH MINISTRY