The former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, Raymond E. Wyant, will lead the independent third-party investigation into procurement and contracting processes used by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS).
In a statement released today (Mar. 3) by Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, Christopher McPherson mentioned that "E. Wyant's work on this matter begins immediately."
An interim written report will be delivered by Judge Wyant by May 30, 2025; a final written report and recommendations will be delivered by Jun. 30, 2025. Additionally, the reports will be posted on alberta.ca.
McPherson had asked Premier Danielle Smith to issue a ministerial order to facilitate Judge Wyant's work, which was fulfilled by Smith.
A budget of $500,000 has been provided to Judge Wyant to undertake the task, including to retain legal and audit assistance at this discretion.
According to McPherson's statement, Judge Wyant is being paid $31,900 per month, which is the same remuneration rate as the Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.
"Judge Wyant will review the relevant legislation, regulations and policies related to procurement typically used by Government of Alberta departments and agencies, specifically AHS, and their application to the procurement of pharmaceuticals and to services offered by chartered surgical facilities," McPherson said.
Primarily, Judge Wyant will be looking at whether or not any elected official, provincial government or AHS employee or other individuals acted improperly during the procurement processes. Later, he will make recommendation to the government or further action as appropriate.
To ensure additional independence in the third-party investigation, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction will hold the budget.
To read more about Judge Wyant, visit the link here.
McPherson's statement came days after the resignation of Alberta Infrastructure Minister, Peter Guthrie, on Feb. 25. In his resignation letter, Guthrie cited, "in recent months, I have voiced concerns regarding the Government of Alberta's procurement practices across all departments."
Adding that, "as Minister of Infrastructure, I had line of sight into these processes and took steps to address inconsistencies and recommend improvements as part of my fiduciary duty."
Though "majority of Cabinet does not appear to share my concerns," he said.
Therefore, Guthrie stepped down and decided to return to caucus as a private member, where he could continue to voice his concerns and hold Cabinet accountable with honesty and integrity.
Read more about Guthrie's comments after quitting his position here.
