The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) has launched an inquiry into the Alberta government's refusal to release documents concerning a 2024 land deal involving health care entrepreneur Sam Mraiche. This action follows a freedom of information request filed by Postmedia.
Background of the Land Deal
The request, submitted in February of last year, sought records related to the June 2024 purchase of a 26,000-square-foot property located at 144 Street and 124 Avenue in Edmonton. The property was initially acquired by a numbered company. Just 12 weeks later, the same property was sold to the Alberta government for $300,000 more than the original purchase price.
A copy of the sale agreement reveals that Mraiche signed the deal as the authorized representative of the numbered company.
Government's Refusal and Legal Grounds
In response to Postmedia's request, Alberta Infrastructure declined to release the records. The department cited that the deals were under investigation by the province's auditor general and referenced a section of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) that exempts disclosure of records in the custody of an officer of the legislature.
However, during mediation with the OIPC, Postmedia argued that the auditor general's investigation into the deals did not commence until August, which was six months after the request had been filed.
Commissioner's Decision
On April 14, Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod informed both Postmedia and Alberta Infrastructure that her office would open an inquiry. The investigation will focus on whether the government adhered to its own information laws when it withheld the documents.
Previous Reporting and Political Fallout
Postmedia first reported on the transaction in February 2025. At that time, then-infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie stated he had directed the department to conduct an internal investigation. Guthrie was later removed from the United Conservative Party caucus two months after voicing concerns about procurement practices and transparency.
A spokesperson for the numbered company previously stated that the idea for the sale originated from Alberta Infrastructure, describing it as a very traditional real estate transaction that did not involve any communication with senior government officials.
Legal Responses
The lawyer who approved the deal for the numbered company, Bryan Ward of Sherwood Park, did not respond to a request for comment. Meanwhile, Toronto-based lawyers representing Mraiche said their client has no interest in the dispute between Postmedia and Infrastructure Alberta before the OIPC.
A spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure declined to comment, citing the ongoing OIPC review.
Dates for submissions in the inquiry are expected to be determined in the coming weeks.
