Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange has announced that she will not be resigning.
"I will not resign," she told reporters Thursday at the Alberta Legislature, responding to a Western Standard question about the escalating "CorruptCare" scandal.
The controversy centres on allegations of corruption in Alberta Health Services (AHS) procurement, sparked by a $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit from former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos. She claims she was fired in January 2025 for investigating inflated private surgical contracts and government interference.
Auditor general and RCMP probes are underway, alongside a third-party, judge-led inquiry. The province says it is cooperating.
Airdrie-Cochrane MLA Peter Guthrie, who resigned as infrastructure minister in February over procurement concerns, was expelled from the United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus on April 16, 2025.
More to come...
Guthrie voted with the NDP on April 14 for a public inquiry, defying UCP leadership. He accused Premier Danielle Smith and LaGrange of misleading cabinet and said his 30-day caucus suspension, extended to 48 days, included a gag order.
The UCP expelled Guthrie for his public criticism, citing his refusal to await investigation outcomes.
Now an independent MLA, Guthrie told reporters he seeks “openness, transparency, honesty,” alleging government obstruction.
The NDP, branding it “CorruptCare,” demands a public inquiry. Smith denies wrongdoing.
Guthrie, now sitting on the NDP side of the house, openly challenged Smith during question period on Thursday, marking a new chapter in the scandal.
Allegations against the province remain unproven until tested in court.