A former Alberta Health Services board member has filed explosive court documents alleging he became the target of an intimidation campaign after opposing the firing of the agency's former CEO.
Court Documents Reveal Allegations of Targeting
In an affidavit filed in November with the Alberta Court of King's Bench, Sandy Edmonstone claims his support for former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos led to him being singled out. The affidavit was part of the evidence that convinced Justice Michael Lema to authorize a search order targeting podcasters David Wallace and James Di Fiore. The order allowed for searches of their homes, devices, and records to uncover who was funding their publications.
Edmonstone is a potential witness in Mentzelopoulos's ongoing wrongful dismissal lawsuit against AHS and the Alberta government. While all former board members could be called to testify, Edmonstone's affidavit states he believes he was the "predominant target" because he openly challenged Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and her staff on several issues.
"Outspoken" Support for Procurement Investigation
The court filing details Edmonstone's vocal backing of Mentzelopoulos's investigation into procurement practices within Alberta's healthcare system. He states he was the director who recommended she take her findings to the RCMP and the provincial auditor general.
"I also openly expressed concerns and reservations with dismissing Ms. Mentzelopoulos including on account of there being no previously identified performance related issues that were brought to the board," the affidavit reads. Edmonstone attributes the targeting to his "outspoken and direct manner" while trying to uphold proper governance.
The affidavit alleges Edmonstone was subjected to covert surveillance and repeated commentary on Wallace and Di Fiore's joint podcasts over several months. It also raises claims from AHS management and staff about conflicts of interest and fears of reprisal.
Premier Claims No Prior Knowledge
Premier Danielle Smith stated she knew nothing of Edmonstone's allegations when questioned about them last week at an unrelated news conference. The controversy stems from the January 2024 firing of Mentzelopoulos, which occurred while her procurement investigation was still ongoing.
Mentzelopoulos has alleged she was pressured by the provincial government to end her reviews, a claim the government denies. The province has stated she was dismissed for incompetence and failing to act on its plans to overhaul the healthcare system. The court case and the allegations within Edmonstone's affidavit continue to unfold.
