Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is disappointed that Eastern Health has abdicated their responsibility related to the inaccurate estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) breast cancer testing system. In their statement of defence to the courts, Eastern Health has asked that the class-action lawsuit filed by the victims of the flawed testing be dismissed.

"Earlier this year, Health and Community Services Minister Ross Wiseman stated that Eastern Health could not advise women affected by faulty ER/PR testing that their results could be inaccurate because of the threat of lawsuits," said Ms. Jones. "It is obvious that government has not learned from that mistake and are still maintaining they did nothing wrong. The fact is they did not live up to their responsibility to these women and their families and mistakes were made.

"The actions of government and Eastern Health are callous and disrespectful to the individuals and families affected by the false test results, many of whom have suffered negative health consequences because of the way this situation was handled. If government is not willing to accept guilt for the mistakes and terrible process followed in the testing process and subsequent distribution of information and results, they should at least admit that they failed these women by not placing their interests ahead of monetary considerations.

"An inquiry has been initiated to find out what went wrong and why. There are obvious problems that have already been identified and government must accept some responsibility for these mistakes. Absolving themselves of all blame will do nothing to restore confidence in the system and will continue the process of putting lawsuits ahead of victims."