Alberta’s Auditor General has launched an examination into the procurement and contracting processes at the Department of Health and Alberta Health Services (AHS), focusing on key areas including Chartered Surgical Facilities, medication purchases, and COVID-19 personal protective equipment.
Auditor General Doug Wylie announced the review, which aims to assess the effectiveness of management and oversight in ensuring value for Albertans while addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
“At this time, the examination pertains to Chartered Surgical Facilities, medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and COVID-19 personal protective equipment,” Wylie said.
The former CEO of AHS claimed she was fired before a meeting about the investigation.
Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of AHS, said her contract was terminated two days before she was going to meet with the province’s auditor general.
In a letter, from Mentzelopoulos’ lawyer to AH, originally obtained by the Globe and Mail, she alleged Premier Danielle Smith’s then-chief of staff, Marshall Smith, had interfered in AHS contract negotiations.
AHS has also started a review.
“We can confirm that AHS is conducting a review of our procurement procedures and processes related to the matters raised by the former CEO, and in the interim, we have paused the awarding of any contracts involving the parties that are involved in that review,” it said Thursday afternoon.
The review may expand to other organizations if necessary. Findings will be presented to the public when the report is tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
As an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly, the Auditor General operates outside government control and political influence, ensuring an objective analysis of government spending and operations.
