LAKELAND - Provincial ministers and MLAs are keeping tight-lipped on the Auditor General’s investigation into procurement practices at Alberta Health Services (AHS) and alleged interference by government officials.
In an e-mailed statement, Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr said he welcomes the review and spoke of what he called “a similar situation” when the NDP were in power in 2016.
Former AHS CEO Vicki Kaminski resigned in November 2015 alleging political interference in the contract negotiations with AUPE. The Office of the Auditor General did not launch an investigation at the time.
“Both cases highlight the need for transparent, independent reviews to ensure that Alberta’s health system operates with integrity and accountability. The Auditor General regularly reviews government programs to ensure accountability and proper management. This gives me faith that the auditor general’s office will handle the issue with great care and thoroughness,” said Cyr.
At a funding announcement for gender-based violence prevention on Feb. 11, Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton said he was thankful an expedited review is taking place.
“I'm quite sure that many people are looking forward to for the Auditor General to begin his work in this regard,” said Turton.
Auditor General for the province of Alberta Doug Wylie is investigating procurement practices at AHS, pertaining to “Chartered Surgical Facilities, Medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen), and COVID-19 Personal Protection Equipment.”
The examination aims to look at the effectiveness of existing processes and address concerns “related to contracting and potential conflicts of interest.”
The Auditor General’s report will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly when it is finished, but a specific timeline for when that will be is not available.
