Alberta's Opposition NDP has asked the province's auditor general to investigate the procurement process for private surgical facilities, alleging Health Minister Tyler Shandro and other senior government officials have politically interfered in that process through their discussions with one group. A recording from one of three presentations made by the group to Edmonton-area orthopedic surgeons in late June was obtained by CBC News. The private facility is being proposed for the site of the current Ericksen Nissan auto dealership, located on 101st Street near the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Proposed orthopedic surgical facilityMost of the group's political lobbying occurred weeks before the UCP government of Premier Jason Kenney pushed through Bill 30 in late July. The controversial legislation proposes to cut approval times required for private surgical facilities, allows Alberta Health to contract directly with doctors, and permits private companies to take over the administrative functions of physician clinics.

Source: CBC News August 12, 2020 16:07 UTC