Calgary Health Scandal: Corruption Claims Ignite Fury

CALGARY — Allegations of "pay for play" and corruption involving Alberta Health Services (AHS) and private health service companies remain a hot topic, with political interference at the centre of the controversy. The Alberta government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, faces scrutiny over its procurement practices, particularly involving contracts with private entities like the Alberta Surgical Group. The situation has attracted attention since the dismissal of the AHS board in November 2022, leading to significant restructuring within the health system.

The Deeper Context

The controversy is rooted in a decades-long trend towards privatization in Alberta's healthcare sector. This has included efforts to introduce private surgeries and medical laboratories, which critics argue have not reduced costs or improved access. The Alberta Surgical Initiative, launched in 2019, aimed to tackle surgical backlogs but faced criticism for increasing costs and wait times for procedures handled by private providers. The Health Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 55), passed in May 2025, further enabled the government to select for-profit providers to operate public hospitals, sparking concern among public health advocates. The restructuring of AHS into four new agencies was seen as a move towards privatization, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the new system.

The Critics & Costs

Key figures like NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi have called for further investigations into potential political interference in AHS contracts. Former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos's wrongful dismissal lawsuit highlights claims of pressure from the Premier's office regarding questionable contracts. Auditor General Doug Wylie's investigation into procurement practices pointed to potential conflicts of interest, although his findings did not implicate Premier Smith directly. Public health advocacy groups like Friends of Medicare and unions such as the United Nurses of Alberta have voiced strong opposition to the privatization trend, citing concerns over increased costs and reduced access to care for Albertans.

Looking forward, the Alberta government must address the 18 recommendations from former judge Raymond Wyant's October 2025 report, focusing on improving procurement transparency and conflict of interest policies. The newly formed health agencies face the challenge of establishing clear accountability measures to prevent future allegations of corruption.