Alberta ends procurement talks with two firms tied to businessman at centre of health care controversy

Alberta’s health agency has cancelled negotiations with two companies owned in part by Sam Mraiche, the Edmonton businessman at the centre of the province’s procurement controversy.

The companies were in talks with Alberta Health Services to open private surgical facilities. Matt Jones, the Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, made the surprise announcement in the legislature on Tuesday, saying discussions related to proposed clinics in Red Deer and Lethbridge were terminated because of procurement issues and conflicts of interest at AHS.