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Details are scarce on a $16-million bank loan obtained by Yukon Hospital Corporation, says Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell.

Details are scarce on a $16-million bank loan obtained by Yukon Hospital Corporation, says Liberal Leader Arthur Mitchell.


Health Minister Glenn Hart won’t provide information on the loan, which is being used to finance a new residence for visiting physicians in Whitehorse.


Hart told Mitchell to ask the hospital’s board of directors.


So Mitchell wrote to Craig Tuton, chair of the board, on February 19. Tuton replied six weeks later.


Check out the corporation’s biannual newsletter, Tuton told Mitchell.


That’s not good enough, Mitchell told the legislature on Wednesday.


“A decision has been made by the minister to allow a multimillion-dollar loan, yet he won’t say for how much. That debt will not be on the government’s books; it will be off the books.


“The chair of the hospital corporation has also refused to disclose how much money was requested or how much interest will be paid. He said the public will be kept informed through a semi-annual newsletter—not good enough, Mr. Speaker; not acceptable; certainly not open, accountable or transparent.


“Why is the government refusing to account for this money?”


“Take it up with the board of directors,” Hart replied.


Mitchell should be able to grill Tuton when the housing corporation is brought into the house. At this time, Tuton will appear as a witness, said Hart.