Alberta private surgical provider denies allegations of sweetheart deals​on February 7, 2025 at 11:43 pm

EDMONTON — An Alberta surgical company named in allegations that government officials interfered to offer up sweetheart deals for private clinics is calling the claims false.

The Alberta Surgical Group says it is “deeply shocked and dismayed” by the allegations and that it aims to provide efficient and cost-effective surgical services.

This follows a letter obtained by The Globe and Mail from the former head of Alberta Health Services, who alleges she was pressured to sign off on a proposed contract with the company despite “significantly increased costs.”

The province’s independent auditor general is already looking into how the health ministry and Alberta Health Services approve contracts, including for chartered surgical facilities.

Alberta Health Services is declining to answer questions while the probe is underway but says it has halted the awarding of contracts between the parties involved.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has called for Premier Danielle Smith, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and her deputy minister to resign while investigators get to the bottom of the scandal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2025.