‘It has to be transparent’: Calls for AHS procurement changes amid alleged political interference

The premier is breaking her silence—online—about alleged political interference at Alberta Health Services.

Alberta RCMP continue to review allegations of political interference at Alberta Health Services after reporting from The Globe and Mail last week outlined claims made by the former CEO.

According to a letter obtained by The Globe, Athana Mentzelopoulos alleges she was fired from her CEO post just days before she was to meet with the province’s auditor general about an investigation into procurement contracts at AHS.

Contents of the letter allege Premier Danielle Smith’s then-chief of staff, Marshall Smith, had also interfered in AHS contract negotiations.

In a written statement released on Saturday, Smith called the allegations “troubling” and said she’s “writing Auditor General Doug Wylie to ask for an expedited review and his findings on this issue.”

Smith’s statement also said she “was not involved in any wrongdoing.”

“The allegations are troubling, and they’re serious in the context of the health-care restructuring going on,” said Chaldeans Mensah, a political science professor at MacEwan University.

“If the findings (of any investigation) are very severe, heads must roll. So, this is where the premier will have to come in. But of course, everything depends on the outcome of the review by the auditor general.”

A statement from the auditor general last week said the review will look at “the effectiveness of management and control processes—including governance and oversight—ensuring value for Albertans.”

Allegations ‘concerning’: Edmonton medical group

The latest health-care group to respond to the allegations set out in Mentzelopoulos' letter says it raises questions about “an inappropriate contracting system which is already under-resourced.”

The Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association (EZMSA) says the allegations and sudden changes at AHS are leading to disruption in the health system.

It is calling for “ethical and transparent procurement processes” to ensure public dollars are spent efficiently and properly.

“I think it has to be open; I think it has to be transparent,” said Dr. Richard Owen, EZMSA president.

“It has to be visible to everyone. Everyone can see both sides of the story. … And the current system is very closed doors; you can’t see inside.”

The opposition NDP is calling on the premier and ministers named in the allegations to step aside as the multiple reviews are taking place.

“This is shocking in every possible way,” said Naheed Nenshi, leader of the Alberta NDP.

“First of all, it’s been six days since the story broke, and we’ve heard nothing in person from either the premier or the health minister.”

There’s no word on how long the reviews will take.