Alberta RCMP has launched an investigation into the health services of Alberta (AHS) and accusations of political interference and possible conflicts of interest within its acquisition practices.
In a statement on Thursday, RCMP confirmed that the preliminary review of a complaint received on February 6 has now moved to a formal investigation.
“After a review, the RCMP has begun an investigation into the matter. As this is a continuous investigation, there are no more details available at this time,” the statement said.
On February 12, the former CEO of the Provincial Health Authority, Athana Mentzelopoulos, filed an unfair dismissal of $ 1.7 million against AHS and the province.
In his claim, Mentzelopoulos claimed that he was fired in part because he had launched a forensic investigation and audit in several contracts. She said she was worried about the prices of the contract with private surgical companies that, according to her, had links with government officials.
Mentzelopoulos claimed that he was fired days before he met with the General Auditor to discuss his research on Alberta’s acquisition contracts and agreements for private surgical facilities.
The demand of Mentzelopoulos claimed that it was “repeatedly subject to the interference and pressure of several Alberta government officials” to sign contracts for new surgical colleagues and approve the extension of the contract of a specific surgical group.
“Athana Mentzelopoulos welcomes the news of the RCMP investigation,” said his lawyer, Dan Scott, in an email to CBC. “Of course, it will cooperate with that research, as well as the ongoing investigation of the General Auditor. In response to questions about whether it has been interviewed by the RCMP, it cannot comment at this time.”
The accusations have already triggered an investigation by the Alberta General Auditor, as well as a third -party investigation launched by the provincial government. Provincial investigation will be led by Raymond E. Wyant, former main judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba.
None of the accusations in the demand of Mentzelopoulos has been tested in the Court.
Defense statements have not yet submitted in the lawsuit. The Minister of Health, Adriana Lagrange, appointed in the lawsuit, has said that she intends to present one in the coming weeks.
Throughout the controversy, Alberta Prime Minister Danielle Smith said he has not seen evidence of irregularities in Alberta Health Services.
A Lagrange spokesman said in a statement that the government “is not aware of the identity of any part under the RCMP investigation, but will provide the cooperation required to the RCMP if the government is asked to do so.”
The spokesman sent more consultations to the RCMP, noting that it is an ongoing police investigation.
The NDP leader Naheed Neshi said he is happy that the police are investigating.
“These accusations of swollen contracts are incredibly serious, and we are glad to see what they are treated as such,” he said.
