AHS Corruption Allegations Explained

You may have seen the headlines. If these allegations are true, they are extremely serious. Athana Mentzelopoulos, CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS), alleged a pattern of sweetheart deals for UCP friends and insiders. The AHS board recommended that Mentzelopoulos review her findings with the Auditor General and, incredibly, refer them to the RCMP.

Soon after this board meeting, she was fired by the government, the entire AHS board was axed, and a single bureaucrat was put in charge as acting CEO and sole board member of the multi-billion dollar health care delivery entity.

So what are the allegations?

Mentzelopoulos said that she faced pressure to approve contracts for private surgical centres with fees greater than the cost would be in the public system. Here’s an excerpt of her concerns:

“Throughout 2024, Mentzelopoulos had been repeatedly subject to interference and pressure from various Government of Alberta officials – including the Premier’s then-Chief of Staff, Marshall Smith – to sign off on commitments for the new [Chartered Surgical Facilities], and approve a contract extension for [Alberta Surgical Group], despite significant concerns within AHS around the true ownership and potential costs of the CSFs, and concerns over the significantly increased costs of a proposed new ASG contract,” the Jan. 20 letter alleges.

Source | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-alberta-ousted-health-services-ceo-amid-probe-into-medical-contracts/

If these allegations are true, it’s incredibly concerning and would be one of the worst corruption scandals Alberta has ever seen.

Albertans deserve to know the truth. While the Auditor General is planning an investigation, more needs to be done.

The Minister needs to step aside and a full judicial review where witnesses can be compelled to testify along with an RCMP-led criminal investigation must be done immediately.

Danielle Smith needs to stop hiding and tell Albertans the truth.

What Can I Do?

Given these allegations, it is more important than ever to keep Danielle Smith and the UCP accountable. Here are some ways you can take action to fight the corrupt UCP and protect our healthcare system.

• Contact the Premier and her Cabinet to voice your concerns. Phoning and emailing the UCP government will let them know that Albertans will hold them accountable.

• Join the NDP as a member – membership needs to be renewed every year and is only $10.

• Sign up for a volunteer shift – help grow the NDP team

• Attend our Calgary-Buffalo Annual General Meeting – on February 22 at 1pm at the Alexandra Centre Society to meet supporters in person and discuss important issues facing our riding. You must be a member to vote or join the executive.