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3mo ago

Alberta NDP Calls for RCMP Inquiry into Alleged Government Corruption in Health Contracts

Former Alberta Health Services CEO alleges interference in private surgical contracts, implicating Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.

Naheed Nenshi delivers his acceptance speech after being named as the new leader of the Alberta NDP in Calgary, Saturday, June 22, 2024. Nenshi is calling for Premier Danielle Smith to immediately fire her health minister after the former head of Alberta Health Services filed a lawsuit against the provincial government alleging wrongful dismissal and high-level government corruption. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to reporters in Washington where she and other Premiers were meeting with American lawmakers to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
Athana Mentzelopoulos has been named the new president and CEO of Alberta Health Services, effective Dec. 11, 2023.
Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, looks on during a press conference with the premiers of Canada in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Craig Hudson

Overview

  • Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former AHS CEO, claims she was fired while investigating irregularities in private surgical facility contracts, including inflated costs and potential conflicts of interest.
  • The Alberta NDP has demanded a full public inquiry, RCMP investigation, and legislative recall, citing concerns of potential criminality and government secrecy.
  • Premier Danielle Smith has stated she first learned of the allegations through media reports but faces scrutiny over conflicting timelines regarding her awareness of the issues.
  • Health Minister Adriana LaGrange allegedly directed AHS to expedite contract approvals despite ongoing internal investigations, according to Mentzelopoulos's claims.
  • The Alberta government has paused some contract negotiations and initiated internal reviews, but critics argue these measures are insufficient given the gravity of the allegations.