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Once again, Verma doesn’t comment. But the mere suggestion brings a flurry of official denials.

Both Alberta Health Services and the new health minister, Tyler Shandro, say the hospital is still on track to be what was planned — a top research hospital with strong links to the University of Calgary, serving cancer patients under one roof.

Shandro said: “To my understanding, nothing has changed. If people have concerns that it might have changed, I’m interested in finding out if that’s true or not, and what the reasons might be behind it.”

He added there are no plans to cut spending or to change the scope or use of a project Calgarians have needed since it was first promised nearly two decades ago.

Photo by Ed Kaiser/Postmedia

“The plan and vision for the Calgary Cancer Centre remains the same,” says Alberta Health Services spokesman Kerry Williamson.

“There have been no significant changes to the project’s scope. The centre will be a world-class facility that will provide comprehensive and integrated cancer care to Calgarians and Albertans.

“The project is on time and on budget. We are extremely proud of the great team working on this project.”

Despite those assurances, the loss of Verma leaves a big leadership gap as the medical design for the project enters its final stage. None of the three key positions he vacates has been filled.

Verma, who grew up in Calgary, had been expected to stay until completion and opening of the hospital in 2022 and 2023. The common reaction to his decision, according to one professional, was “uh oh.”