Former Alberta Health Services (AHS) executive Athana Mentzelopoulos has initiated a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the government and AHS, alleging her termination was linked to investigations into potential conflicts of interest and questionable costs in AHS deals. Her firing came just two days before she was scheduled to brief Auditor General Doug Wylie's office on January 10. The lawsuit underscores allegations surrounding a $70-million purchase of children's medicine from Turkey, implicating a significant medical supplier.
Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie has responded by urging swift action, including recommending the removal of Health Minister Adriana LaGrange until an investigation concludes. Guthrie's memo, obtained by CBC News, outlines five urgent actions and calls for readiness to involve the RCMP in potential criminal matters.
"It is my strong recommendation that we do not hesitate any longer and implement these recommendations today," – Guthrie's memo
Guthrie's memo suggests that LaGrange should be reassigned to an unrelated ministry until the investigations are completed. It also calls for the removal of Andre Tremblay as CEO/administrator at AHS and Deputy Minister of the Health Ministry. Tremblay, appointed as interim CEO and the one-man board of directors of AHS last month, is under scrutiny as part of the unfolding events.
"Remove Andre Tremblay as CEO/administrator at AHS and as DM [deputy minister of the Health Ministry] until such time as an investigation is complete," – Guthrie's memo
"Min. Adriana LaGrange should be moved to another unrelated ministry until an investigation is complete," – Guthrie's memo
Premier Danielle Smith has stated that she only became aware of these concerns through media reports. Despite the allegations, Smith has expressed unwavering support for LaGrange's continued role in health system reform.
"I have full confidence in the health minister to continue her important work in refocusing and reforming our health system," – Danielle Smith
The government has pledged its full support for Auditor General Doug Wylie's investigation. This inquiry will scrutinize AHS procurement processes and how concerns raised by the ex-CEO were communicated, or failed to be communicated, to the minister and premier.
Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz has defended LaGrange’s decision to remain in her post amid the lawsuit and investigations. Schulz emphasized the importance of stability and transparency during this transformative period for the health-care system.
"There is a lot of work going on to transform the health-care system," – Rebecca Schulz
"I think stability is important, but I also think that transparency is too, and that's why Minister LaGrange and Premier Smith have asked the auditor general to look into this." – Rebecca Schulz
LaGrange has stated her intention to file a statement of defense in response to Mentzelopoulos's lawsuit. She has dismissed some allegations as clearly false while acknowledging that others require further investigation.
"some claims made are clearly false, while others will need to be investigated further" – LaGrange
The opposition NDP, alongside groups such as the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees and Friends of Medicare, have amplified calls for LaGrange’s resignation amid these serious allegations.
