Resignation of SHA CEO raises questions as search for replacement begins
A public policy consultant says it is not necessary for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to disclose the reasons behind former CEO Scott Livingstone’s departure.
However, he says a lack of transparency could pose challenges when looking for a replacement. Livingstone gave his resignation last week, according to the SHA.
“There’s no obligation cast upon Scott Livingstone to disclose publicly why he resigned,” said public policy consultant Dennis Kendel.
According to Kendel, CEO contracts often have “notice requirements” for leaving a job, which usually need a minimum of three months notice.
However, he says early resignation can happen for a number of personal reasons, including illness or stress. Kendel emphasized he has no insight into the reasons for Livingstone’s departure.
“I have been impressed with the way he has performed in his role with the SHA,” he said.
“I don’t think there is cause to believe that anything about Mr. Livingstone’s performance itself led to this outcome.”
During Thursday’s physician town hall, SHA chief medical officer Dr. Susan Shaw notified everyone of Livingstone’s resignation.
“I can’t speak to his reasons for choosing to move on from his role of CEO as those discussions are between Scott and the board,” Shaw said.
“I know he will be finding new ways of giving back and providing leadership. I know he is well. So, as his friend, I wish him the best.”
While Kendel says the leadership change likely will not impact day-to-day healthcare services, effective management of the healthcare system all depends on the “working relationship” between the interim CEO, the SHA board, the Ministry of Health and Provincial Emergency Operations Centre.
Kendel suggests all parties need to re-evaluate the distribution of roles and responsibilities to understand if a lack of clarity resulted in Livingstone’s resignation.
“If we end up with protracted stress within the management structure in the SHA, it’s conceivable that other people walk away from their roles,” Kendel said.
“That could be very, very problematic for us all.”
SEARCHING FOR A NEW CEO
Andrew Will, vice-president of infrastructure, information and support with the SHA, will serve as the interim CEO, while the health authority looks for a permanent replacement.
Kendel says hiring for the job could take time.
According to the SHA’s 2021 annual report, the Livingstone’s salary was $409,143. However, Kendel estimates that is only about half of what qualified individuals would make in similar roles in other province’s like Ontario.
“I wouldn’t say the compensation in Saskatchewan for this job would be a big lure,” said Kendel, adding a lack of clarity around the reasons for Livinstone’s departure could make potential candidates hesitant to apply.
“[Applicants] want to be sure they are not entering into a situation which is fraught with a lot of stress beyond what they might be willing to accept,” he said.
CTV News reached out to the health authority to inquire about the circumstances surrounding Livingstone’s resignation.
In a statement, the board said it is “grateful for Scott’s leadership through some very challenging times” and it will not be commenting further on his decision to move on from the role as CEO.
The SHA board is responsible for the selection and hiring of a chief executive officer. The board is made up of 10 members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, according to the SHA’s website.
“When you are a CEO for an organization that has a board appointed by the government there is accountability, but it generally ought to flow through the board,” Kendel said, adding he would expect regular communication between the board chair and deputy health minister.
However, Kendel says sometimes CEOs in these types of positions will meet with the government minister or deputy minister instead of the board.
“It does create potential strain because legally they are accountable to the board and not directly to the minister or the deputy,” Kendel said.
RECENT TURNOVER IN SHA
Livingstone is not the only SHA official to leave his post this year.
According to the SHA, chief operating officer Suann Laurent retired at the end of October. Her retirement was announced to SHA leadership teams, but it was not made public.
As CEO, Livingstone assumed Laurent’s roles and responsibilities. However, the COO position is now vacant, according to the SHA. It is unclear if it will be filled.
On top of the two of the highest ranked officials leaving in the last month, the SHA board appointed a new chair and vice-chair in June.
Arlene Wiks is serving as the chairperson. Tyler Bragg is the vice-chair.
Kendel says it is not necessarily surprising, as board appointments often have a term associated with them.
“It is interesting though that there was quite a significant turnover in board membership within the last six months,” he said.
“It does create some greater uncertainly because not only are some of the board members still relatively new in their role, but there was quite a turnover.”
On the other hand, Kendel says there is some merit in “new blood” coming into the roles, adding boards can become stayed if members are on too long.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.