Alberta private surgical provider denies allegations of sweetheart deals [Video]

An Alberta surgical company named in allegations that government officials interfered to offer up sweetheart deals for private clinics says the claims are false.

The Alberta Surgical Group said in a statement Friday that it’s “deeply shocked and dismayed.”

“The claims being made are false and do not reflect our values, our mission, or the dedication of our team to providing exemplary surgical services efficiently and cost effectively,” it said.

It follows a report from the Globe and Mail citing a letter from the former head of Alberta Health Services, Athana Mentzelopoulos, who was let go last month.

She alleges she was subject to pressure by various provincial officials — including Marshall Smith, then Premier Danielle Smith’s chief of staff — to sign off on contracts for privately run surgical facilities despite concerns over how much was being paid and who was benefiting.

The letter says Mentzelopoulos had concerns with “significantly increased …