Alberta Health Services CEO's Dismissal Triggers Calls for Investigations

Former CEO alleges political interference in procurement for private surgical contracts, prompting demands for RCMP, Auditor-General, and public inquiries.

• Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS), was fired two days before a scheduled meeting with the province's Auditor-General regarding her internal investigation into procurement practices.
• Mentzelopoulos alleges government officials pressured her to approve contracts for private surgical facilities despite cost concerns and directed her to halt her investigation into procurement irregularities.
• The allegations include claims that Premier Danielle Smith's former chief of staff and others interfered in AHS contract negotiations and procurement processes to benefit private entities.
• The Health Sciences Association of Alberta and the opposition New Democratic Party have called for an RCMP investigation, an Auditor-General review, and a public inquiry into the claims.
• The government has not commented on the allegations, while Mentzelopoulos is seeking $1.7 million in compensation for wrongful dismissal and has prepared a detailed briefing on her findings.

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