Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced significant changes to her cabinet, particularly in the health care sector, which have sparked both support and criticism. In response to this incredible backlash, the government is changing their playbook. This amendment is intended to prevent chartered surgical facilities (CSFs) from being used as leverage in their plan to eliminate surgical wait times. Smith’s announcement of her cabinet changes was made on a Friday, just before a long weekend. This announcement was made immediately after the completion of the Illinois spring legislative session.
The United Conservative Party (UCP), under former premier Jason Kenney, had previously committed to utilizing more CSFs to decrease waiting times for surgeries. And guess what—Premier Smith is all in on this gambit. She points out that, contrary to some rhetoric, private surgical facilities are essential for addressing the province’s health care crisis. She stated, “Once you move one cabinet minister, you have to start moving a few others,” indicating her determination to reshape her leadership team.
Adriana LaGrange has been given the newly established ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services. This, even as she is under fire over allegations of irregularities with contracts and procurement pertaining to hospitals and surgical services. We’ve criticized her grim-headed persistence in the face of these allegations. Matt Jones officially appointed as Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services. By adopting this move, Smith has shown firm commitment to prioritizing surgical care first.
Though the trades are shocking, the cabinet reshuffle hasn’t been without controversy. Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former chief executive of Alberta Health Services (AHS), alleges that she was dismissed for initiating investigations into CSF contracts. She claims that the government pressured her into signing the contracts. These contracts included exorbitant fees, far exceeding the typical amount AHS would pay private firms for the same surgeries. As an advocate, Mentzelopoulos has protested the government’s treatment of CSFs. He claims that they didn’t do a good job of estimating all costs associated with surgical procedures.
To their credit, Premier Smith and the UCP were quick to dismiss Mentzelopoulos’s wild claims. He contended that AHS was more interested in serving its own agenda than providing an honest financial projection. Smith is adamant that CSFs are the best option to address the backlog of surgeries Alberta faces after years of neglect. Yet, she is unwavering in her belief.
In an unusual move, former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi publicly called Smith’s cabinet shuffle, calling it the sign of a “sinking ship.” He stated, “She’s clinging to a scandal-ridden crew that’s out of touch and out of ideas. Albertans deserve better.” Nenshi’s comments reflect a growing discontent among some constituents regarding the government’s direction and leadership.
Despite the cabinet reshuffle, the overall size of Smith’s cabinet is not different – now with two associate ministers. Grant Hunter has been appointed as associate minister of water and Chief Government Whip. In other news, Myles McDougall takes LaGrange’s former place as a long-term backbencher. This strategic maneuvering reflects Smith’s desire to double down on recent successes and tackle issues that have been a high-profile thorn in her administration’s side.
With the recent cabinet shuffle, we’re left wondering what the next confusing chapter will bring for Alberta’s health care system. Will dependence on for-profit surgical clinics really address the decades-long backlog of wait times? Political opponents and health care advocates alike are watching Premier Smith closely. We know that her leadership will be under an enormous microscope in the months ahead.
