Dear Neighbours,
Allegations of political interference and bloated health-care contracts shocked us all in early February when a Globe and Mail story first revealed the allegations that were in a letter the recently fired CEO of Alberta’s health system sent to her lawyers.
Athana Mentzelopoulos’ $1.7 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against Alberta Health Services and the UCP government, alleges the former CEO was fired for investigating sweetheart deals with private surgery companies she said had links to provincial government officials.
In the following weeks, as the CorruptCare scandal dominated the airwaves, the UCP’s infrastructure minister resigned from cabinet citing a lack of support from his colleagues over his concerns “regarding the Government of Alberta’s procurement practices across all departments.”
Alberta’s Auditor General has launched an investigation into spending by the province’s health authority and Alberta Health Services has “paused” signing new for-profit surgical contracts pending an internal review.
The Alberta NDP has also been calling for a public inquiry which would have a broader scope than what the auditor general can investigate.
CorruptCare has always been about allegations that the UCP wastes and mismanages taxpayer funds instead of delivering Albertans an ethical, competent government.
CorruptCare has real consequences for all Albertans: if private surgeries cost double what the public system cost, then every private surgery means the waiting list for hips and knees gets longer, unless spending increases.
Albertans deserve a transparent public inquiry into the disturbing allegations raised by the CorruptCare scandal and my hope is that by the time you are reading this that inquiry is well underway.
A reminder that my office is located at 205 5005 Elbow Drive SW. You can also reach me at calgary.elbow@assembly.ab.ca or by phone at 403-252-0346. I am always happy to meet with constituents and hear what is on your mind.
MLA – Calgary Elbow Samir Kayande proudly serves the following Communities: Altadore, Bel-Aire , Britannia, Elbow Park, Elboya, Erlton, Garrison Green, Garrison Woods, Glamorgan, Lincoln Park, Lower Mount Royal, Marda Loop, Mayfair, Meadowlark Park, Mount Royal, North Glenmore Park, Parkhill, Rideau Park, River Park, Roxboro, South Calgary, Upper Mount Royal, Windsor Park
