Alberta cabinet member urges Danielle Smith to remove health minister
Amid serious allegations made by a fired Alberta Health Services CEO regarding major health contracts, a UCP cabinet minister is urging the premier to remove Health Minister Adriana LaGrange from her post while investigations are ongoing. Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie sent a memo to cabinet colleagues, urging swift action and readiness to involve the RCMP in any potential criminal matters.
Former AHS executive Athana Mentzelopoulos has alleged that the government forced her out of her position after she began investigating conflicts of interest and questionable costs related to AHS contracts with private surgical facilities and a medical supplier involved in a $70-million purchase of children’s medicine from Turkey. These claims have led to a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed against the government and AHS, although they have not been tested in court.
In the memo obtained by CBC News, Guthrie outlines five urgent actions, including the removal of Andre Tremblay as CEO of AHS and Deputy Minister of the Health Ministry until investigations are complete. He also recommends moving Minister LaGrange to another ministry until the investigation concludes.
Despite Guthrie’s call for LaGrange’s removal, the premier has expressed full confidence in the health minister’s ability to continue her work in reforming the health system. In response to the memo, the premier has vowed to support the Auditor General’s investigation fully and has tasked a top civil servant with retaining an outside firm to independently investigate any potential wrongdoing.
While calls for LaGrange’s resignation have come from the opposition NDP and various groups, she has stated that she will file a statement of defense in response to Mentzelopoulos’ lawsuit. Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz defended LaGrange’s position in the health ministry, emphasizing the importance of stability and transparency in the ongoing investigations.
Premier Smith has indicated that she was unaware of the concerns raised by Mentzelopoulos within AHS until they were reported in the media. Mentzelopoulos had informed the Auditor General about the investigations and audits into contracts back in November but was terminated before a scheduled briefing with the Auditor General’s office.
As the investigations continue, the government is committed to ensuring transparency and addressing any potential conflicts that may arise. The premier has reiterated her support for the Auditor General’s inquiry and emphasized the importance of maintaining stability within the health-care system while striving for accountability and transparency.
