Danielle Smith punts questions on health CEO’s election night appearance

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pointed to her advisers when asked to explain how an Edmonton businessman whose contracts with the province’s health agency are now under scrutiny ended up in a hotel suite with her top lieutenants on the night of the 2023 provincial election.

A Globe and Mail investigation published over the weekend examined the links between medical supply company executive Sam Mraiche and Ms. Smith’s government. The Globe found Mr. Mraiche, whose company MHCare was awarded more than $600-million in contracts with Alberta Health Services, had more extensive connections to the government than previously reported. Mr. Mraiche has said he acted properly and has denied any wrongdoing.