BREAKDOWN IS BROKEN DOWN: Alberta podcaster sued for $6 million over reporting on COVID face masks, Turkish medication procurement

Nate Pike, host of the Alberta political podcast The Breakdown, is facing a $6-million defamation lawsuit involving what he calls "one of the most controversial figures in Alberta politics."

Pike has reported on a controversy involving the Government of Alberta's procurement of COVID-19 face masks and medications through a company called MHCare Medical, founded by Edmonton businessman, Sam Mraiche, "as well as the ongoing media coverage of Sam Mraiche hosting UCP ministers, MLA's and staffers attending hockey games in Sam Mraiche's skybox."

Pike reported the face masks were faulty. Allegedly, there were complaints from health-care workers about poor fit, inadequate sealing, and causing health issues like rashes and headaches.

Pike also discussed Alberta's Turkish medication controversy. MHCare Medical was the company responsible for importing children's pain medication from Turkey.

Alberta Health Services contracted MHCare to source the medications, specifically acetaminophen and ibuprofen under the brand names Parol and Pedifen from Atabay Pharmaceuticals in Turkey.

Alberta paid millions upfront for the order, but allegedly, only some of the medication was usable.

The Breakdown website is currently shut down.

"We broadcast an episode on this a while back and we were even in contact with a law firm representing Mr. Mraiche in the run up to the show with the clear communication that if we made any factual errors we would welcome correction."

Mraiche has now slammed Pike with a $6-million defamation sut.

Pike said his reporting was based on public reports or publicly available corporate records.

"Both I and the show have become the target of what we believe is a SLAPP lawsuit, which is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation," he wrote. "SLAPP suits are designed to silence voices. I, and the show, refuse to be silenced."

Mraiche's seven-page statement of claim says Pike falsely and maliciously published defamatory statements. The statement of claim incudes a long list of alleged defamation, including, "Hearing Smith took a private jet to the Vancouver game (she posted pics)."

Also, "The big guy behind MHCare is a guy names Sam Mraiche. And so you have ministers, allegedly, a bunch of staffers attending Skybox hockey games, provided by, including playoff games, provided by MHCare."