Alberta
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has denied any involvement in wrongdoing amid allegations of political interference at Alberta Health Services (AHS). These allegations were brought forward by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who claimed she was fired for investigating questionable contracts and procurement processes2. Premier Smith has called for an expedited review by the auditor general and emphasized that she was not involved in any misconduct.
Premier Danielle Smith is denying any wrongdoing after Alberta’s auditor general said Thursday he is investigating procurement practices in the province’s health ministry.
Premier Danielle Smith is denying any wrongdoing after Alberta’s auditor general said Thursday he is investigating procurement practices in the province’s health ministry.
On Wednesday, the Globe and Mail reported that Alberta Health Services (AHS) chief executive Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired on Jan. 8, two days before she was to meet with auditor general Doug Wylie to discuss the findings of her investigation into procurement at AHS and Alberta Health (AH). On Thursday, Wylie announced he had launched an investigation into procurement at Alberta Health and AHS.
Smith issued a statement Saturday morning to deny any wrongdoing on her part as premier in the process, insisting any “insinuation to the contrary is false, baseless and defamatory.” Smith said she would write to Wylie to ask for a “fully transparent” and expedited review.
“I have read various media stories containing allegations regarding the procurement and contracting processes of AHS. They are troubling allegations and they should be reviewed as quickly as possible,” Smith said.
“We need to get to the bottom of this issue quickly to identify any potential wrongdoing, correct it, and address it appropriately. I have also asked that AHS’s internal review be completed as quickly as possible and delivered directly to me so we can study the results and make improvements or adjustments to these processes.
courtasy Edmonton journal
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