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Alberta Health System Faces Allegations of Political Interference and Retaliatory Dismissals

Former AHS CEO claims her firing was retaliation for investigating health contract irregularities, while the Alberta government defends actions as part of planned restructuring.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange held a press conference in Calgary on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Alberta's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa on July 6, 2020.
Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange (L) and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith listens to questions at a news conference in Calgary, Alberta February 19, 2025. Todd Korol/The Globe and Mail

Overview

  • Athana Mentzelopoulos, former Alberta Health Services CEO, alleges she was fired for probing irregularities in multimillion-dollar health contracts, including a $70-million medication deal.
  • The Alberta government asserts that her dismissal, along with the dissolution of the AHS board, was part of a planned restructuring of the health care system into four entities.
  • Investigations into allegations of political interference and contract improprieties are ongoing, led by the RCMP, Alberta Auditor-General, and a retired judge.
  • AHS was scheduled to receive a report on potential improper activity in health contracts on the same day its board was dissolved by the government.
  • Former Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie resigned from cabinet, citing concerns over the government's handling of the allegations raised by Mentzelopoulos.