Premier Gordon Campbell says his government will push ahead with its plans for health care in B.C., despite the resignation of his deputy health minister on Thursday.

In a blunt letter obtained by the Canadian Press, Dr. Penny Ballem takes issue with the premier's directions in health care.

Dr. Penny Ballem questioned the government's health-care plans in her resignation letter. (CBC file)
Dr. Penny Ballem questioned the government's health-care plans in her resignation letter. (CBC file)

She writes: "The plans you and your deputy minister have established are unsound and reflect a lack of confidence in my leadership on your part."

Ballem also refers to, "the lack of satisfaction you have expressed in the work the ministry has brought forward to cabinet."

But Campbell says he doesn't know what policies Ballem is referring to in her letter. He told reporters Friday that she just felt it was time to move on. The premier denied having lost confidence in Ballem.

Asked by a reporter about the strongly worded letter, Campbell said, "Well, you know, Penny wrote the letter. As I said to you, I think our direction as a government has been clear. This is a job that there's a lot of pressure in."

The premier went on to praise Ballem, who until Thursday was one of his powerful deputy ministers. But he showed no signs of changing his approach to health care.

The government has already introduced sweeping health-care reforms — regionalizing services, closing some hospitals and downsizing others. Later this year, the government plans to consult the public about a bigger role for the private sector in delivering services.

Ballem was hired as deputy minister by the Campbell government when it was first elected in 2001.