Dozens of protestors, armed with signs, even whistles, took to the steps of the Legislature Saturday afternoon. Breath by breath, they call for whistle-blowing legislation.
The group, breaking out in chants of "fumigate the Leg," is adding fire to calls for a public inquiry into health care. Participants argue it's the only way to fully investigate allegations of doctor intimidation and over-capacity issues at hospitals around the province.
"They don't work it [health care], we do," says Sandy Kyle. "So they should be talking to us."
Kyle has been a nurse for 37 years now. She took to the microphone at the rally, saying the government needs to hear directly from front-line workers, to get to the bottom of the issue.
"If you get sick calls, you're working short," said Kyle. "We have more patients, the acuities are higher."
Several weeks ago, Independent MLA Dr. Raj Sherman alleged doctors were paid millions to stay silent, to not criticize the state of health care in Alberta. Opposition parties called for a public inquiry into the allegations.
The Tories said they wouldn't launch an inquiry, but rather sanctioned a review by the Health Quality Council of Alberta to perform a nine month investigation into wait times and physician advocacy. But the critics at the event say that's just not good enough.
"Without a judicial review, we cannot get access to people's financial records," says Liberal leader David Swann. "We cannot subpoena people, or force people to give evidence."
Friends with Medicare spokesperson says without getting the courts involved, the effort won't have any teeth.
"We've created public inquiry legislation for a reason," says David Eggen. "This is a chance to really use it."
The Health Minister argues the review is cheaper and quicker than an inquiry, meaning changes can happen faster. Gene Zwozdesky stresses it's transparent and open to all voices.
"I think we should allow them to complete that process and at the end allow a full, public reporting of the findings," says Zwozdesky. "People who are out there with something to say don't need to be asked. They should come forward. They have full protection of anonymity."
For Kyle, she just wants to make sure that happens, sending this message to the province.
"Actually listen to the front-line workers," says Kyle. "We are the people who keep them in business."
The Liberals have provided a hotline for patients and health care workers can call in with their horror stories. They too also promise anonymity if the caller requests it.
The hotline number is 1-888-886-2834. The Liberals say nearly 200 people have called in; with about 90% of those calls coming from patients.
With files from CTV's Jessica Earle…
