Dr. Daniel Vigo, the chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs, and concurrent disorders at the British Columbia Ministry of Health, has come under scrutiny due to his government contract.
Contract Details
- Quarterly Earnings: Dr. Vigo earns $250,000 every quarter, potentially reaching a maximum of $1 million annually.
- Administrative Fees: In addition to his base pay, he is entitled to 12% of his salary as administrative fees or expenses, which could amount to an additional $120,000 per year.
Concerns Raised
The controversy surrounding Dr. Vigo’s contract has raised questions about transparency and accountability within the government department responsible for mental health services in British Columbia.
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MLA Claire Ratté’s Concerns:
- Ratté expressed concern that the government may have been aware of the need for involuntary care before hiring Dr. Vigo at an annual cost of $1 million.
- She stated, "I think it’s quite concerning that we’re paying someone a million dollars a year when there are people who are suffering from mental illness. We need to make sure we’re using our resources effectively."
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Lack of Reports:
- Ratté questioned why no quarterly reports have been made public, despite being required under Dr. Vigo’s contract agreement.
- She noted, "There appears to be a lack of deliverables in Dr. Vigo’s contract."
Government Response
Health Minister Josie Osborne defended Dr. Vigo, emphasizing his expertise in advising on mental health issues related to toxic drug use. She stated:
- "Dr. Vigo has provided valuable advice on how to address some of the most pressing issues related to toxic drug use."
In response to concerns over transparency and accountability, Osborne mentioned that her team is working to ensure all necessary information is available to the public. However, she did not comment on whether quarterly reports would be made available in the future.
Document Release
Osborne confirmed that previously withheld documents related to various matters, including vaccine mandates and COVID-19 testing requirements, were released after media outlets filed Freedom of Information requests. She stated that these documents would be released again if requested by media outlets.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Dr. Vigo’s contract raises significant questions about the value of spending $1 million per year on someone who may not have delivered tangible results. Ratté’s comments highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability within government departments responsible for mental health services.
The situation regarding Dr. Vigo’s contract remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether quarterly reports will be made available in the future or if any changes will be implemented regarding his contract.
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