Stephen Duckett no longer CEO of AHS

Alberta Health Services announced in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that CEO Stephen Duckett is no longer the CEO of AHS. The decision is effective immediately.

Duckett and the AHS board reportedly came to a mutual decision. AHS made the announcement at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Duckett's resignation comes just days after a confrontation he had with reporters, where he refused to answer questions because he was quote "eating a cookie".

Duckett's status had been looking increasingly tenuous.

Long emergency room waits have drawn growing criticism and sparked an outburst last week from an Edmonton member of the legislature that led to his suspension from the Tory government caucus.

Duckett's own style hadn't won him many friends since he was hired by the government last year to oversee health delivery in Alberta.

The announcement was not entirely unexpected, based on comments made by Premier Stelmach during question period on Tuesday afternoon.

"Mr. Speaker, I found the comment last Friday quite offensive." he said.

While health care critics are happy to see Duckett go, they hope the move will help the province focus on what's really important, health care.

"The buck in health care stops with the minister. Not with Stephen Duckett." Wildrose Alliance MLA Rob Anderson said on Tuesday.

One other board member has reportedly resigned during the ordeal. Dr. Chris Eagle is now the acting CEO of AHS