11.7°C Vancouver

Mar 14, 2025 1:13 PM - The Canadian Press

Alberta fires back in wrongful dismissal suit, says ex-health boss was incompetent

Share On
alberta-fires-back-in-wrongful-dismissal-suit-says-ex-health-boss-was-incompetent
Adriana LaGrange, in a statement of defence, says Athana Mentzelopoulos was not fired from her job as the head of Alberta Health Services for investigating corruption. (Photo: X/@AdrianaLaGrange)

Alberta's health minister has officially fired back against allegations from a former health leader who says she was fired for investigating sweetheart deals, collusion and high-level political arm-twisting.

Adriana LaGrange, in a statement of defence, says Athana Mentzelopoulos was not fired from her job as the head of Alberta Health Services for investigating corruption. LaGrange says Mentzelopoulos was fired because she was failing to do her job and was working to stop mandated health reform to keep the power and perks of her position. Alberta Health Services has been in charge of all health delivery in Alberta but has, in the last year, been wound down to become just one piece of a new multi-agency model.

Mentzelopoulos has alleged she was fired because she balked at signing overinflated contracts with private surgery providers and for investigating questionable dealings with how health contracts were being signed. LaGrange says her government had no choice but to act, saying Mentzelopoulos had lost her way by failing to sign off on critical surgery contracts potentially affecting thousands while pursuing a fantasy corruption investigation that ultimately turned up empty.

Latest news

eby-announces-major-support-measures-for-trade-war-hit-businesses
BCOct 07, 2026

Eby Announces Major Support Measures for Trade War-Hit Businesses

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby has announced interest-free loans for small businesses affected by the ongoing trade war. During an election campaign stop in Newton, Surrey, Eby said his government would provide tariff-affected small businesses with loans of up to $1 million for 72 months. He also promised a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for businesses that hire young people for their first jobs. Eby further pledged to expand support for B.C. companies looking to export to markets outside the United States. Meanwhile, Eby accused B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doorksen of making a secret dea
six-off-the-final-ball-toronto-sixers-clinch-canada-super-sixty-title
FeaturedOct 07, 2026

Six Off the Final Ball! Toronto Sixers Clinch Canada Super Sixty Title

The Canada Super Sixty tournament’s final was played last night at BC Place Stadium, where the Toronto Sixers defeated the Vancouver Anchors with a six off the final ball to clinch the title in the league’s second season. While the match produced plenty of excitement on the field, a historic moment was also witnessed in the commentary box. Legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram, who has taken more than 900 wickets in Test and ODI cricket, made his Punjabi commentary debut. Connect 91.5 FM was the official radio broadcast partner of Canada Super Sixty. During the Vancouver Anchors’ inn
IndiaOct 07, 2026

Action in Sangrur After CBI Raid: SHO Suspended, 2 Leaders Detained and Released

Hours after villagers welcomed the CBI during a raid at the Sangrur district home of Rajbir Singh Ghuman, OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, with flowers and distributed sweets, Sangrur Police suspended an SHO and detained two political leaders from Sangrur city. According to information, police personnel in civilian clothes arrived at the homes of Akali Dal Waris Punjab leader Chamandeep Singh Milkhi and Shiromani Akali Dal Punarsurjit leader Vijay Lankesh early Wednesday morning and took both leaders with them. Both leaders were members of the Mohanjit Insaf Sangharsh Committee. The
CanadaOct 07, 2026

Canada-India Hold Key Security Talks as David Morrison Meets Ajit Doval

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s international affairs adviser, David Morrison, visited India from October 5 to 7 at the invitation of Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, with discussions focused on strengthening security ties between the two countries. According to the Canadian government, the meeting in New Delhi focused on increasing cooperation on serious issues including transnational organized crime, terrorism, extortion, drug trafficking and the extradition of individuals accused of such offences, including cybercrime-related cases. Morrison and Doval also agreed to launch new di
AlbertaOct 07, 2026

Edmonton City Council Keeps 25-Cent Paper Bag Fee

Edmonton residents will continue to pay a 25-cent fee for paper bags when ordering through drive-thrus or shopping at stores. City council narrowly voted Tuesday afternoon to reject a motion that would have eliminated the paper bag fee. The decision followed discussions on the city’s Single-Use Item Bylaw, introduced in 2023. According to an administrative report, single-use waste has declined by 30 per cent since the bylaw came into effect, with retail bags accounting for the largest share of the reduction. The motion to remove the fee was defeated in a 7-6 vote, meaning the 25-cent charge

Related News