WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is defending the practice of publishing the names of nurses who repeatedly abuse drugs or alcohol.
Health Minister Theresa Oswald says public protection is the top priority.
Oswald is all but ruling out a request from the Manitoba Nurses Union, which says publishing the names amounts to an unfair public shaming and should be stopped.
The union is upset that the agency that regulates Manitoba nurses puts their names in a magazine and online when they are disciplined.
Union president Sandi Mowat says the public should know about serious offences such as patient abuse, but people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol should not have their names broadcast for all to see.
Other provinces, such as Ontario, have more-private disciplinary procedures for nurses with addiction problems.