Albertans, doctors fundraise to support fired AHS CEO

A group of doctors and others in the province are rallying behind an ousted Alberta Health Services CEO in her wrongful dismissal claim against the Alberta government.

“Instead of allowing the facts to come to light, the Alberta government appears to be using taxpayer money to wage a war of attrition against Ms. Mentzelopoulos. The overt plan is to hire multiple legal firms and drag out the legal process,” said Dr. Paul Parks, an Alberta doctor.

Dr. Parks spoke with a group of Albertans on Monday who are fundraising online to support ousted AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who is suing the province for $1.7 million in a wrongful dismissal suit, alleging she was fired by the province to stop an investigation into contract scandals. 

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The lawyer representing Mentzelopoulos told CityNews through an email that the money is needed to take on the province in a court of law, adding in part, “Any fundraising for Athana would help level the playing field somewhat in terms of the resources the government has engaged to defend against the lawsuit.”

CityNews reached out to Alberta’s justice ministry for a response to the lawsuit, however, the ministry has not responded at this time. 

Alberta’s health minister told media that some surgical contracts have been paused as investigations into contract procurement are ongoing.

“The ASG contract was extended from October 31 for six months as the investigation was ongoing. That investigation is still going on, so it’s been extended further. But those RFPs that have been awarded for Red Deer and Lethbridge are still paused,” said Minister LaGrange.