AHS ordered to turn over procurement records in RCMP probe
A senior health executive confirmed the production order mid-investigation into contracting practices that sparked a former CEO's wrongful dismissal lawsuit.
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Alberta Health Services has received a production order from RCMP to turn over relevant documents and records related to contracting practices. The order was confirmed on Thursday, June 18, by Dr. Mircea Fagarasanu, a senior vice-president with AHS, during questioning on an affidavit he filed in a civil case tied to AHS procurement.
When asked directly whether he was aware if his organization had received a production order through the RCMP or legal counsel tied to records involving procurement or chartered surgical facility contracts, Fagarasanu replied: "Yes, I'm aware."
A transcript of Fagarasanu's questioning was filed with the court on June 15. The Globe and Mail first reported his comments.
RCMP have been investigating a complaint of contracting practices at AHS since February 2025. Earlier this year, RCMP executed "multiple search warrants" related to that investigation.
The RCMP investigation followed allegations levied by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, including one the government commissioned by a retired Manitoba judge. An auditor-general's report on the matter remains unreleased. Mentzelopoulos's 2025 lawsuit alleged she was fired after she launched an investigation into various contracts and AHS procurement processes. AHS has said it terminated her because she wasn't fulfilling her duties. None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Fagarasanu said he was not involved in complying with the production order on behalf of AHS and didn't know when the order was provided. When asked during questioning whether he had personally reviewed the records in Mentzelopoulos's affidavit — records his own affidavit referenced — he said he had not.
"I based my signing the affidavit based on the — I relied on the legal counsel assessment," Fagarasanu said.
Alberta Justice declined to comment on the matter, with a government lawyer stating: "As this matter is before the courts, the government has no comment at this time." A spokesperson for AHS said the health authority was unable to comment while the matter was before the courts.