External AHS investigation will be ‘public’ and ‘transparent’: Alberta premier

Danielle Smith says progress is working toward the third-party inquiry into the Alberta Health Services' procurement scandal. Mason DePatie reports.

Premier Danielle Smith says the person leading the third-party review into Alberta Health Services (AHS) contracts will be announced soon.

During her radio call-in show on Saturday, Smith faced more questions about allegations of corruption in healthcare contracts.

She said we should find out who is leading the external investigation this week.

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The review was sparked by a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed last month by Athana Mentzelopoulos.

It says concerns about procurement practices and interference from government officials led the former head of AHS to initiate an internal investigation and a forensic audit last fall.

The document alleges she was fired shortly before the audit was completed in January.

Alberta’s auditor general is now looking into contracting and procurement at the authority and health ministry.

Critics argue that a public, judge-led inquiry is also needed, a request Smith has ignored so far.

During her radio show, Smith said the current third-party review scheduled will be public and transparent.

“We can talk about it next time I’m on to see if that satisfied some of the concerns. We need somebody who is independent, who has extensive legal training, and who can take on the task,” she on her show airing on 880 CHED, Your Province, Your Premier.

The allegations in the lawsuit have not been tested in court.

Smith has denied any wrongdoing but noted that if any is found, there will be a response.

“If there’s been wrongdoing, then those who are still on staff, and those who are still in government, there will be repercussions,” she said.

Smith said a statement of defence will be filed soon, and once that is released, she will be able to say more.