‘No further comments’: Smith, LaGrange remained tight-lipped amid AHS scandal

New reporting alleges the provincial government fired the Alberta Health Services board the same day it was set to receive a report from investigators.

Alberta’s premier and health minister are both staying tight-lipped on new reporting that alleges their government fired the board of Alberta Health Services (AHS) the same day it was set to receive an investigator’s report on AHS business deals.

The Globe and Mail says it has obtained documents showing Danielle Smith and Adriana LaGrange knew more about the alleged AHS scandal – and some supposedly questionable procurement decisions – than they’re letting on.

The Globe claims the AHS board was fired the day it was supposed to get a report on whether some of its business deals were subject to “improper activity.”

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It also alleges LaGrange dismissed the board after some in the health authority forwarded a letter to the auditor general claiming government officials were meddling in AHS operations to help outside private companies.

LaGrange wouldn’t comment on the accusations during an unrelated Friday news conference in Calgary.

“The government’s statement of defence has been filed on this, just a HR issue,” she said. “Right now, we have no further comments to make on it.”

LaGrange has repeatedly avoided answering questions about the alleged scandal, ducking behind the legalities of a lawsuit – and her response – filed last month.

But the AHS board’s latest round of accusations hasn’t been mentioned in any court documents, raising questions about the minister’s refusal to comment.

‘Corrupt care scandal’: NDP

The provincial NDP’s opposition leader has dubbed the AHS controversy “Corrupt Care.”

Naheed Nenshi says Albertans deserve more answers.

“(LaGrange) has lost the confidence of all the employees of AHS, she’s lost the confidence of the public, and she’s got to get fired,” he said.

Nenshi says the current auditor general and outside-judge reviews don’t go far enough.

However, when CTV News asked the premier on Friday whether a future public inquiry could be in the cards, her response was “not now.”

“The premier can’t hide any longer,” Nenshi said. “We have to call a full public inquiry with a judge, so you can call witnesses and have them testify under oath.”

“This would be so easy for the premier if she’s done nothing wrong. Call a public inquiry. Have them do that work and clear her,” he added.

“She’s too scared.”