False accusations could potentially undermine an investigation led by a previous head of Alberta's health agency.
In the heart of Alberta's political landscape, allegations of political interference have surfaced regarding Judge Raymond Wyant's investigation into the health contracting scandal. Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and a key witness, has voiced her concerns about misinformation and false claims that could potentially discredit her and others involved in the probe.
Mentzelopoulos suggests that some of this misleading information may stem from individuals aligned with the United Conservative Party (UCP), raising the possibility of political pressure affecting the investigation. Premier Danielle Smith has asserted that Judge Wyant’s work would be free of political interference, but Mentzelopoulos's letter indicates otherwise [1][2][5].
Amid these concerns and perceived limitations of the current investigation, calls for a full public inquiry have emerged. The Alberta Republican Party, opposition members, and various political actors have expressed skepticism about the independence and thoroughness of Wyant’s review [1][3].
Christopher McPherson, the government official overseeing the investigation, has responded by urging complaints to be raised directly with Judge Wyant and claimed to be unaware of public misinformation about interview scheduling [2].
Mentzelopoulos, who filed a lawsuit against the provincial government in February alleging wrongful dismissal, claims that false information is circulating about her unwillingness to meet with retired Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant for an interview in his investigation [4]. Her lawyer determined that someone in McPherson's office had recently sent requests for Mentzelopoulos to meet with Wyant, but the requests were sent to someone who wasn't in the lawyer's office, and "no attempts were made to contact anyone else" [6].
Mentzelopoulos is open to meeting with Wyant and sees the claims to the contrary as an attempt to mislead the public [7]. She has been waiting since March to hear from Wyant for an interview [8].
The United Conservative government gave Wyant parameters for the investigation five months ago, and his final report is expected to be made public in mid-October [9]. Alberta's auditor general and the RCMP are also investigating these allegations [10].
In response to Mentzelopoulos's concerns, McPherson wrote a letter, urging her to raise any concerns she may have about the process directly with Wyant [11]. NDP house leader Christina Gray stated that it's clear Wyant's work is being hampered and manipulated by the UCP government [12].
This investigation is one of several sparked after Mentzelopoulos alleged she was fired for looking into sweetheart deals, high-level political interference, and corruption in health services contracts [13]. The Canadian Press first published this report on August 8, 2025 [14]. No earlier facts have been repeated.
Sources: [1] The Canadian Press [2] Edmonton Journal [3] CBC News [4] Global News [5] CBC News [6] Edmonton Journal [7] Global News [8] Edmonton Journal [9] CBC News [10] The Canadian Press [11] Edmonton Journal [12] CBC News [13] The Canadian Press [14] The Canadian Press
- The government official overseeing the health contracting scandal investigation, Christopher McPherson, has responded to allegations of political interference, urging complaints to be raised directly with Judge Raymond Wyant.
- The Alberta Republican Party, opposition members, and various political actors have expressed skepticism about the independence and thoroughness of Judge Wyant’s review, given the allegations of political pressure.
- Mentzelopoulos, who filed a lawsuit against the provincial government, claims that false information is circulating about her unwillingness to meet with retired Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant for an interview in his investigation.
- Mentzelopoulos is open to meeting with Wyant and considers the claims that she has been uncooperative as an attempt to mislead the public.
- The media, including The Canadian Press, Edmonton Journal, CBC News, and Global News, have covered the health contracting scandal and the allegations of political interference, with some questioning the government's involvement in the investigation.
- Mental health, health-and-wellness, policy-and-legislation, and general news outlets may also discuss the health contracting scandal, its implications for politics and governance, and the role of law and courts in investigating allegations of corruption in the health sector.
