Tyler Shandro, a former health minister and Calgary lawyer, is facing potential sanctions in a conduct hearing held by the Law Society of Alberta (LSA) over complaints of unprofessional behavior. The allegations stem from interactions Shandro had with three doctors and a member of the public during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as Alberta’s health minister under Premier Jason Kenney.
The LSA’s conduct hearing, which spanned several days over the past eight months, heard final submissions from both sides on Tuesday. Counsel for the LSA argued that Shandro engaged in “impulsive and highly inappropriate behavior” and should be sanctioned accordingly. Shandro’s lawyer, on the other hand, claimed that his client’s behavior was at worst “the equivalent of jaywalking” and suggested that the complaints against Shandro were politically motivated.
If the panel decides to impose sanctions, the penalties can range from a letter of reprimand to disbarment. Shandro, who lost his seat in the recent election, faces three citations in the hearing. One citation accuses Shandro of showing up at a doctor’s home to confront him about a social media post that implied a conflict of interest over his wife’s operation of a private health insurance company. Another citation involves Shandro using his ministerial position to obtain personal cell phone numbers of two doctors with the intent to intimidate them. The final citation relates to Shandro’s use of his government email account to respond to a message intended for his wife.
During the hearing, Shandro’s lawyer argued that his client’s actions were not inappropriate and were a response to legitimate concerns. However, counsel for the LSA claimed that Shandro’s behavior demonstrated a pattern of attempting to suppress public debate and criticism through improper communications and intimidation tactics.
The panel has reserved its decision, and the LSA aims to publish a written decision on the case within 90 days of the conclusion of the conduct hearing.