Alberta’s Wyant Report Unveils Key Findings on Health Care Procurement

A recent report released by former Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant has shed light on allegations of government interference and corruption within Alberta Health Services (AHS) procurement processes. Announced on March 3, 2023, the report contains 18 recommendations aimed at improving oversight and governance in health care procurement.

The investigation was initiated after allegations made by AHS’s former CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who claimed she was dismissed on January 8, 2023, just prior to a scheduled meeting with Alberta Auditor General Doug Wylie. This meeting was intended to discuss findings related to procurement irregularities within AHS. Mentzelopoulos accused the government of improper interference in procurement practices, including instances of former AHS employees working for AHS vendors.

Wyant’s investigation focused on specific allegations regarding the procurement of children’s pain medication, chartered surgical facilities, and a short-term contract for surgeries in the Edmonton Zone. Although Wyant concluded that there was no conclusive evidence of wrongful interference from the Alberta government, he acknowledged that he could not make a “final and absolute determination” due to limitations in his investigative mandate.

During a press conference following the report’s release, Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that the findings indicated AHS decision-makers, rather than government officials, were responsible for mismanagement. Smith expressed her commitment to implementing all 18 recommendations from the report, which aim to enhance oversight in procurement practices across AHS and other provincial health agencies.

Wyant identified potential conflicts of interest involving two former AHS staff members, Jitendra Prasad and Blayne Iskiw, who were found to be in “real or perceived” conflicts during procurement processes. Despite these findings, the report highlighted a troubling lack of actions taken to address these conflicts effectively.

The Alberta NDP’s deputy leader, Rakhi Pancholi, has called for a public inquiry into these matters, arguing that Wyant’s investigation was limited in scope and lacked the power to compel testimony or records. She stated, “We can get to the heart of the answers on this issue, and Albertans can move on to the more important priorities that they have around health care, education, cost of living in their lives.”

While Wyant’s report raises critical questions about the integrity of current procurement practices, it also notes ongoing investigations that may further clarify the situation. Notably, Auditor General Wylie is conducting a separate investigation with the authority to compel attendance and take evidence under oath. Furthermore, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) may also be examining certain allegations related to Wyant’s findings.

As Alberta grapples with these serious allegations, the implementation of the report’s recommendations could mark a significant shift in how procurement is managed within the province’s health care system. The focus remains on ensuring that the well-being of Albertans is prioritized in future practices, fostering a system that is transparent and accountable.