Raj Sherman suspended from caucus

MLA Raj Sherman has been suspended from the Alberta Progressive Conservative caucus, according to party whip Robin Campbell.

The suspension came during a caucus meeting on Monday morning, just days after some controversial comments made by Edmonton-Meadowlark representative on health care.

In a leaked email, Raj Sherman criticized the premier for how he’s handled the emergency room crisis. Following the email, Sherman was involved in a lengthy meeting with the Premier, after which he apologized for his comments, but insisted that he would continue to be an outspoken critic about health care. Sherman then shifted his criticisms to Alberta Health Services, and blasted former Health Minister Ron Liepert for his treatment of medical workers.

Premier Stelmach said in a release on Sunday that Albertans are growing tired of the "recent theatrics" in regards to the health care debate.

Sherman was parlimentary assistant to Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky. He also works as an emergency room physician. He will now sit as an independant.

Sherman is not the first P.C. caucus member to be ousted for being critical of the government on health care issues. Fort McMurray MLA Guy Boutilier was removed from caucus last year.