Alberta premier defends her government amid corruption allegations [Video]

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she still has confidence in Health Minister Adriana LaGrange despite allegations involving political interference and conflict of interest in the awarding of contracts by Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning during a trip to Washington, D.C., with Canada’s premiers, Smith said she first became aware of the allegations against her office and the health minister when she saw reports in the media.

The allegations were outlined in a letter sent by the lawyer of former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, as reported first by the Globe and Mail.

It alleges AHS was pressured to approve private contracts and that the former CEO was fired two days before a meeting with the auditor general to discuss her concerns about private surgery facilities and procurement contracts.

The allegations are being investigated by the province’s auditor general.

“We’re interested in hearing what the auditor general has to say,” said …