Photo credit: globalnews.ca

Alberta Premier Responds to Calls for Health Minister’s Reassignment Amid Controversy

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has acknowledged requests from her ministers regarding the ongoing investigation into her Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, following a lawsuit that has sparked significant controversy. During a recent radio program, Smith addressed allegations involving LaGrange and confirmed that Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie had indeed suggested via memo that LaGrange should be reassigned while the investigation continues.

Responding to inquiries about Guthrie’s memo, which recommended moving LaGrange to a different cabinet role, Smith expressed her commitment to gathering honest feedback from her team. “If you want to get honest input, you have to be prepared to hear what people have to say,” she stated, emphasizing that there are differing opinions within her cabinet regarding the situation.

The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former head of Alberta Health Services, which alleges wrongful dismissal. Mentzelopoulos claims that LaGrange terminated her employment because she refused to endorse what she termed excessively lucrative contracts between the government and private surgery clinics.

Despite the allegations, which have yet to be substantiated in court, Smith has publicly backed LaGrange. On her radio show, she described the health minister’s contributions to the system as “amazing and important,” particularly in light of the challenges facing the healthcare sector over the next six months. Smith revealed that while LaGrange has stepped back from decision-making responsibilities related to these issues, she maintains an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare in Alberta.

The Context of the Allegations

Smith commented on the necessity of understanding the context of the allegations, stating, “You can’t make a rash decision until you know if there’s any wrongdoing.” She highlighted the importance of determining whether the claims made in the lawsuit are rooted in fact, whether they pertain to a process issue, or if there are more significant concerns at play.

Reports emerged recently indicating that Guthrie’s memo recommended not only LaGrange’s reassignment but also that the top civil servant in health, Andre Tremblay, be moved to a different position for the duration of the investigation. Furthermore, Guthrie suggested that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) should be alerted if any possible criminal conduct is indicated.

While Smith’s office has not challenged the legitimacy of the memo, it has consistently supported LaGrange’s position in cabinet. Mentzelopoulos’ allegations are currently unproven in a court of law, and LaGrange’s spokesperson has indicated that the minister will largely refrain from commenting on the allegations, having previously stated that many are false and some will require further examination.

Support for LaGrange from Cabinet Colleagues

In light of the growing calls from opposition parties, notably the New Democratic Party (NDP), for LaGrange’s removal, support for her has emerged from some of her cabinet colleagues. At a recent funding announcement event in Calgary, both Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides and Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney voiced their continued support for LaGrange.

Nicolaides remarked, “You know, people always have different opinions — and yeah, I just don’t agree with his assessment,” referring to Guthrie’s call for reassignment. Sawhney echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the cabinet’s unified stance in light of the ongoing scrutiny.

The situation remains dynamic as the investigation unfolds, and the political implications of these developments will likely continue to resonate through Alberta’s political landscape.

Source
globalnews.ca