Yesterday I wrote to @AuditorGenAB to ask him to investigate whether secret, back room mtgs between Min @shandro's office, UCP insiders & donors & property developers re: a $200M private hospital in #yegdt represent political interference in the public procurement process. #ableg https://twitter.com/jennierussell_/status/1293581494011736070

The correct legal process has gov't identify a need & then direct non-partisan public service to find the most cost-effective way to meet that need, w/o political interference.

This prevents politicians from steering public $ to their friends, family, donors & supporters. #ableg

But according to CBC's report, we have Min. Shandro giving access to a group of wealthy UCP insiders, donors, lobbyists, & property developers, seeking his seal of approval first, so they can then force this private hospital onto AHS & Alberta taxpayers, as a done deal. #ableg

And Min Shandro seems to be playing ball, assigning a top advisor, @BernardoItalia to work w/ them & who's reportedly "also was very warm to the project and really asked, 'What are the impediments and how can he help remove them?'"

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/private-orthopedic-surgical-alberta-health-1.5678883 #ableg

It certainly gives the appearance that Tyler Shandro isn't working in the interests of Albertans but rather in the interests of UCP insiders and donors.

This is textbook corruption. We have a non-partisan procurement process precisely to prevent that sort of thing. #ableg

It's especially concerning that these UCP insiders want a contract designed to be too expensive for Alberta taxpayers to get out of even if the project proves a costly failure, as history shows it likely will.

They want guaranteed profits w/ public assuming all risk. #ableg

That's why I'm also asking the AG to review & make a public report on any contract for this misguided project to ensure that Alberta taxpayers’ interests are protected.

Because it's seems clear we can't trust @shandro, @jkenney or the UCP to do so. #ableg

Because this private hospital proposal isn't about patient care, it’s about making huge profits at the expense of Alberta taxpayers & our public healthcare system.

And Albertans shouldn't be forced to pay & lose access to care to reward friends & donors of the UCP. #ableg