The family of Teresa Ann Scheunert was in Yukon last week calling for an inquiry into her death.
Scheunert was a nurse in Watson Lake before she passed away at the Watson Lake Hospital on June 21, 2012.
She had been admitted for back pain, and died from mixed-drug toxicity related to the pain medications administered to her in hospital, according to the coroner’s report.
Scheunert’s sister and two daughters met with Health Minister Doug Graham on Friday.
In the legislature Monday, the Opposition NDP asked Graham if he would commit to an inquiry.
“Interestingly enough, during that meeting the family never indicated at any time that they were looking for a public inquiry,” said Graham in his response.
But Graham “was not telling the truth,” according to a statement released by the family later that day.
“We do not understand why the minister would lie about what we said in our meeting with him, and we do not understand why there have been so many barriers to getting an understanding of what happened to our mother and how it can be fixed.
“There should be a public inquiry in the interest of public safety of all Yukon patients.”
Graham said in the legislature Tuesday that he had made an error.
“During my meeting with the family, a number of issues and concerns were discussed, including their request for a public inquiry, among other options. I wish to apologize to the house and especially to the family for this error.”
(Jacqueline Ronson)