The Decibel Alberta government alleged to have interfered in healthcare deals
Feb 19, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Carrie Tait, a Globe reporter renowned for her investigative work, delves into explosive allegations against Alberta's government regarding interference in healthcare contracts. She details the wrongful dismissal lawsuit of former CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, which claims government pressure on procurement practices favoring private companies. The conversation highlights the potential conflicts of interest and political fallout, revealing the growing tension between transparency and the drive to secure effective healthcare services in the province.
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Allegations of Interference
- Former Alberta Health Services CEO, Athana Mentzelopoulos, alleges interference by government officials in healthcare contracts.
- Her lawsuit claims this interference favored private firms and led to her dismissal.
Procurement Concerns
- Procurement, the process of contracting services or buying goods, should ideally be transparent and focus on securing the best deals.
- The former CEO's lawsuit suggests increasing government control over AHS and its procurement processes.
Alberta Surgical Group Investigation
- Menzelopoulos investigated Alberta Surgical Group's contract after concerns about pricing.
- She alleges pressure from Premier Smith's former chief of staff, Marshall Smith, to finalize the deal despite inflated costs.