Alberta Appoints Indigenous Patient Safety Investigator and Advocate

The Alberta Government has appointed Tony Cardinal, a member of Goodfish Lake Cree Nation, as the province’s first Indigenous Patient Safety Investigator and Advocate. The new role aims to address inequities in healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients.

Cardinal brings over 30 years of experience supporting the care and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. He will work out of the Office of Alberta’s Health Advocates and will lead investigations, make recommendations to improve experiences, and help First Nations, Métis and Inuit patients address concerns by providing culturally safe support, navigation, education and information throughout the patient complaint process.

“The appointment of an Indigenous Patient Safety Investigator and Advocate is a significant step towards ensuring Indigenous patients have the support they need to advocate for themselves,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “Addressing racism in health care is essential, and this appointment will play a vital role in combating these challenges and promoting equity for Indigenous patients.”

The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of healthcare practices following a recent incident at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital. The family of an elderly First Nations man reported that his braids were cut off during his hospital stay, causing significant emotional and spiritual harm.

Indigenous Peoples comprise nearly seven per cent of Alberta’s population, and systemic inequities in healthcare have long been a concern. The province says the new role reflects its commitment to addressing these disparities and improving patient safety.