Alberta's public inquiry is a lot of smoke and mirrors.  We believe the premier is sticking to a campaign promise to hold an inquiry, but when you look behind the facade you see that the real issue of physician intimidation is being ignored.  This inquiry, led by a retired judge will focus on one thing, and one thing only, whether or not politicians and those with connections received preferential treatment in the health care system. The Health Quality Council in its review wasn't able to determine whether this was happening because those with the information were 'mum' on the subject and it will take a judicial inquiry to get them to speak.  The Health Quality Council did determine there was indeed physician intimidation, but concluded steps are being taken to improve things.  I think some physicians would disagree and would be willing to spill the beans if they knew what they said was protected under a public inquiry and wouldn't lead to further ramifications. But we'll never hear from them.  Instead we'll learn that wait lines were jumped by those with connections but it's not happening now.  One problem has already been fixed, another has been brushed under the carpet.