An Alberta doctor accused of unprofessional conduct by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) following public comments critical of public health responses during the COVID pandemic will get to keep his licence.
The CPSA said Dr. Roger Hodkinson made several public comments that violated the Canadian Medical Association’s code of ethics, between November 2020 and April 2021, in a media interview, online, and at an Edmonton City Council meeting,
Some of the comments included: “Masks are utterly useless, there is no evidence based with their effectiveness whatsoever”; and “You’re being led down the garden path by the chief medical officer of health for this province,” according to the CPSA decision.
Hodkinson also said: “The vaccine is first of all unnecessary. Secondly, it’s reckless in terms of how it’s being introduced because it’s certainly not been shown to be safe.”
The decision also noted a comment by Hodkinson that anyone with a medical background who said “this vaccine is safe without any qualification” was guilty of medical malpractice.
He also said nothing would control the spread of the virus, according to the CPSA decision.
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The college said the code requires physicians to identify when they are offering an opinion that is “contrary to the accepted view of the profession” and that professionals need to be cautious not to overstep the limits of their knowledge or skills.
The Democracy Fund (TDF), which supported Hodkinson’s case, said the CPSA initially called the comments inaccurate and misleading, but shifted its focus to say Hodkinson’s comments “violated the ethical code” and “extended beyond the scope of a general pathologist.”
“Hodkinson did not concede that any of his statements were false,” TDF said in a news release.
The organization said he acknowledged that his comments criticizing other physicians “technically breached the Code of Ethics and Professionalism.”
Hodkinson also said he should have clarified that “his views were outside the scope of a general pathologist,” TDF said.
“Dr. Hodkinson acknowledged that he could have used more measured language when critiquing physicians with whom he disagrees,” said Alan Honner, the attorney representing Hodkinson.
“However, he did not concede that any of his statements were misinformation, nor did the tribunal make such a determination.”
The issue was resolved through a joint submission on sanctions, according to CPSA.
As a result, Hodkinson was given a “caution,” must complete an online training course about influence and advocacy, and pay $5,000 for the investigation and hearing, CPSA said in a March 27 news release.
TDF noted Hodkinson will not lose his licence as part of the joint submission.
The organization said Hodkinson supports free speech for health professionals.
“The essence of progress in all scientific matters, including medicine, is debate regarding scientific findings,” Hodkinson stated.
The Epoch Times attempted to contact Hodkinson but did not hear back by publication time.
The hearing was held in November 2024.
Provincial Legislation
The decision comes after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her government is going to review regulatory bodies in the province.
Smith made the announcement in October 2024 alongside Justice Minister Mickey Amery, saying professionals should be free to express their personal opinions.
She said professional colleges and other regulatory bodies have been “exerting their authority far beyond” their mandate and have attempted to regulate personal beliefs and opinions of doctors, lawyers, psychologists, and other professionals.
At the time, CPSA told The Epoch Times that the college supports the government’s position that professionals have a right to free speech and personal opinions, but that the “public interest requires balance” if the beliefs intersect with professional practice.
