Alberta United Conservative Party (UCP) MLA Peter Guthrie has voted in favour of an NDP motion for a public investigation into procurement practices of Alberta Health Services (AHS), following allegations of government interference in contracting by AHS.
The move comes after allegations in a lawsuit started by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who says she was fired after launching an investigation into AHS procurement practices. She was removed from the position on Jan. 8.
The government said that Mentzelopoulos was removed because she “failed” to fulfill her responsibilities in implementing policy directives related to health care system restructuring. It also said her contract allowed for early termination.
Guthrie, a former cabinet minister, had previously asked for Health Minister Adriana LaGrange to be removed from the portfolio in February. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she would not move LaGrange.
Guthrie then resigned as minister on Feb. 25, but said he would continue to sit as a UCP MLA.
Three investigations into the allegations have been launched, including by the auditor general, the RCMP, and an external investigation.
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On April 14, the opposition NDP called for a public inquiry into the matter during a legislative session.
NDP MLA and health critic Sarah Hoffman called for a motion for a public inquiry into AHS procurement practices, saying there had been “significant” allegations of political interference.
“I do want to say that the government investigations lack the transparency and accountability that we all deserve. The scope is limited, key individuals who are implicated still are in power, and positions of power have for some even gotten greater,” Hoffman said.
Guthrie and former UCP MLA Scott Sinclair, who now sits as an Independent, voted in favour of the NDP motion. Sinclair was removed from the UCP caucus for not supporting the budget in March.
However, the motion did not have enough support to pass.
Premier Smith has denied involvement in procurement decisions, and has requested that the auditor general’s investigation be expedited.
“We need to get to the bottom of this issue quickly to identify any potential wrongdoing, correct it, and address it appropriately,” Smith said in a Feb. 8 social media post.
Suspension
Guthrie spoke at the legislature on April 14, saying he needed to speak for his constituents.
Guthrie previously told CBC News that he had been barred from attending caucus meetings and government committees. The Epoch Times contacted Guthrie and the UCP for comment about the MLA’s suspension, but did not immediately hear back.
“To properly represent my constituents, I cannot be held in perpetuity to a suspension from caucus which comes with a gag order. I am now at day 48 of my so-called 30-day suspension, impeding my democratic right to fully represent the people of Airdrie-Cochrane,” Guthrie said.
“This highlights some of the very reasons I resigned from cabinet and why I called for a judicial review, co-operation with the RCMP, and our government’s full support of the investigation of the Auditor General.”
The UCP government has said that the investigations into the issue are sufficient.
It has accused Mentzelopoulos of making the allegations for more money and to “distract from her failures to carry out the proper function of her job.”
Since 2023, the Alberta government has been working on an overhaul of the provincial health care system.
The Canadian Press and Carolina Avendano contributed to this article.
