CHUM's Jean-Claude Deschênes resigns for 2nd time in 5 months

For the second time in five months, the board president of Montreal's French-language university health centre (CHUM) says he is resigning from his role because of his tenuous relationship with Quebec Health Minister Gaétan Barrette.

And for the second time in the same five months, Barrette is once again shooting down accusations of meddling in the CHUM's affairs.

Barrette told The Canadian Press that he challenges anyone in the organization to prove that he has done anything even resembling interference.

In March, Jean-Claude Deschênes and hospital president Jacques Turgeon stepped down from their roles at the hospital in protest over what they said was Barrette's repeated interference in the hospital's governance, particularly in personnel matters.

Barrette was accused of insisting on a different candidate than the one chosen by the hospital to lead the surgery department.

The two administrators rejoined the hospital organization after coming to an agreement with Barrette brokered by Premier Philippe Couillard. The agreement stipulated that they would be free to act in their administrative duties.

Turgeon decided to step down again last month to pursue other opportunities in the U.S.

Now Deschênes is accusing Barrette of going back on his commitment to rebuild the CHUM board of directors in April. Meanwhile, Barrette has said the new board will be formed in September.