Misinformation allegations withdrawn over Covid statements by Alberta doctor

Last year Alberta's College of Physicians and Surgeons charged pathologist Dr. Roger Hodkinson with making "inaccurate or misleading" statements that breached the CMA Code of Ethics  during the Covid pandemic, for which he could have lost his license. Hodkinson admitted breaching the Code but not to any inaccuracy, and received a simple caution. 

Outspoken but not inaccurate: medical tribunal makes no finding of misinformation by Dr. Hodkinson | The Democracy Fund (news release):

April 4, 2025 - "Dr. Roger Hodkinson will retain his medical license following a hearing before the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), which resulted in minimal sanctions against the outspoken pathologist. Dr. Hodkinson faced allegations of unprofessional conduct regarding 17 public statements made in November 2020 and April 2021. His remarks were critical of public health officials and presented an alternative perspective on COVID-19, including the efficacy of masking and vaccines. 

Dr, Roger Hodkinson (courtesy TDF).

"Initially, the CPSA alleged that his statements were inaccurate or misleading. However, following negotiations with lawyers for The Democracy Fund, the CPSA limited its claims to arguing that Dr. Hodkinson’s comments violated the ethical code and extended beyond the scope of a general pathologist. While Dr. Hodkinson did not concede that any of his statements were false, he acknowledged that his criticisms of other physicians technically breached the Code of Ethics and Professionalism. He also admitted that he should have clarified that his views were outside the scope of a general pathologist.

"The case was resolved through a joint submission, resulting in Dr. Hodkinson receiving a caution and being required to complete an online course on influence and advocacy.

"Alan Honner was retained by TDF to represent Dr. Hodkinson. 'Dr. Hodkinson acknowledged that he could have used more measured language when critiquing physicians with whom he disagrees,' said Honner. 'However, he did not concede that any of his statements were misinformation, nor did the tribunal make such a determination.'

"Dr. Hodkinson now joins prominent health professional Dr. Jordan Peterson, who[m] their respective regulatory bodies have cautioned for making public comments that diverge from the official narrative.

"Last year, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pledged to review the province’s regulated professions to ensure that the freedom of speech of professionals is adequately protected. She also committed to legislative changes to ensure that professionals are regulated based on competence and conduct rather than speech. 

"Dr. Hodkinson strongly supports safeguarding free speech for health professionals. 'The essence of progress in all scientific matters, including medicine, is debate regarding scientific findings,' he stated.

"Dr. Hodkinson earned his medical degree from Cambridge University and completed his pathology residency in Vancouver. He has served as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Alberta and as past Chair of the Royal College specialty examination in pathology. With several publications and awards to his name, he had until now maintained a spotless disciplinary record over his 50-year career."

Read more: https://www.thedemocracyfund.ca/outspoken_but_not_inaccurate

Alberta doctor charged over Covid comments

Alberta virologist Dr. Roger Hodkinson has been charged with professional misconduct by the provincial regulatory body for giving his medical opinion on the coronavirus during the pandemic. 

TDF represents Dr. Hodkinson in misconduct hearing over COVID statements | The Democracy Fund (news release):

July 24, 2024 - "The Democracy Fund (TDF) is defending Dr. Roger Hodkinson in his legal fight with respect to several complaints brought against him by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Dr, Roger Hodkinson (courtesy TDF).

"The CPSA has charged Dr. Hodkinson with professional misconduct, alleging that he wrongly commented on the efficacy of masks and social distancing in preventing the spread of COVID-19, the usefulness of vitamin D in protecting against COVID-19, the necessity and unqualified safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and the COVID-19 testing protocol.

"The CPSA's Amended Notice of Hearing setting out the allegations can be found here.

Dr. Hodkinson's lawyer, Sarah Miller, said: 'The CPSA continues to prosecute Dr. Hodkinson for expressing his opinions on the government's response to COVID-19. We are proceeding to a five-day hearing in November for the CPSA to hear and determine whether Dr. Hodkinson breached his obligations under the Code of Ethics and Professionalism. The hearing represents a considerable use of resources to exercise authority over Dr. Hodkinson's public expression of his closely held beliefs.'

To help Dr. Hodkinson in his legal battle, you can make a tax-deductible donation on this page:

https://www.thedemocracyfund.ca/tdf_lawyers_proceeding_disciplinary_hearing_dr_hodkinson_accused_misconduct_statements_covid_vaccine_lockdowns

"About The Democracy Fund: Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic."

https://www.thedemocracyfund.ca/tdf_lawyers_proceeding_disciplinary_hearing_dr_hodkinson_accused_misconduct_statements_covid_vaccine_lockdowns

Read Dr. Hodkinson's medical opinion here:
https://gdspoliticalanimal.blogspot.com/2020/11/alberta-md-condemns-covid-hysteria.html

Alberta MD condemns Covid "hysteria"

Dr. Roger Hodkinson says the virus is no worse than a “bad flu”, that masks are “useless”, and that lockdowns are driving suicides. | Western Standard:

November 17, 2020 - "A top Edmonton doctor in virology says Albertans 'are being led down the garden path' by government health officials in their efforts to stop the COVID-19 virus. Dr. Roger Hodkinson says the virus is no worse than a 'bad flu.'

"Hodkinson is the CEO of Western Medical Assessments, and has been the company’s medical director for over 20 years. He received his general medical degrees from Cambridge University in the U.K., and then became a Royal College certified pathologist in Canada (FRCPC) following a residency in Vancouver. He also taught at the University of Alberta and runs MutantDx, a molecular diagnostics company in North Carolina.

"'What I am going to say is lay language and blunt,' Hodkinson said during an Edmonton City Council Community and Public Services Committee meeting, audio of which is currently making the rounds on YouTube. 'There is utterly unfounded public hysteria driven by the media and politicians. It’s outrageous. This is the greatest hoax every perpetrated on an unsuspecting public.

"'There is absolutely nothing to be done to contain this virus other than protecting your more vulnerable people.... This is not Ebola. It’s not SARS. It’s politics playing medicine. And that’s a very dangerous game. Masks are utterly useless. There is no evidence based on their effectiveness whatsoever. Seeing these people walking around like lemmings obeying without any knowledge…putting the masks on.'

"Hodkinson said social distancing is also 'useless' because the virus can travel up to 30 m before landing. He said positive tests, which do not accurately reflect whether you have the virus, are driving 'public hysteria,' adding testing should stop unless you show up at a hospital with respiratory problems. He called for residents of long term care homes to be given daily doses of Vitamin D which can help battle the virus.

"Hodkinson said the risk of death from COVID-19 to Albertans under 65 is 1 in 300,000. He also blamed businesses closures for a spate of suicides and other social problems.

"'It’s just another bad flu, and you have to get your minds around that. You’re being led down the garden path by the chief medical officer of health (Dr. Deena Hinshaw) in this province.,' he said. 'I am absolutely outraged that it has reached this level.'"

Read more: https://www.westernstandardonline.com/2020/11/senior-doc-says-alberta-politicians-playing-medicine-media-driving-hysteria/