A prominent member of the Invest Alberta Corporation has stepped back from his role following a significant police inquiry into alleged procurement irregularities within Alberta’s healthcare system. Sam Jaber, recently appointed to the board, announced his temporary leave just days after the RCMP conducted a search at his accounting firm, Jaberson & Associates, in Edmonton.
Allegations Surface
The controversy surrounding Alberta’s procurement practices first gained traction in February 2023 when reports surfaced regarding inflated contracts awarded to private companies and potential political interference within the provincial health agency. The RCMP confirmed in March 2025 that they were investigating these claims, focusing on Alberta Health Services and several contracts linked to the agency.
One focal point of the investigation is MHCare Medical Corp., which received a $70-million contract in late 2022 to import children’s medications from Turkey. However, nearly the full payment was processed even though only a third of the expected medication was delivered to Alberta.
Jaber’s Role and Response
Jaber’s connection to MHCare is notable; corporate records indicate he serves as the chief financial officer for the company. Additionally, his firms have acted as registering agents for several ventures associated with MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche. In a statement, Jaber’s lawyer asserted his client’s innocence, stating, “We are confident that a fair and balanced investigation will reach this conclusion.” He added that Jaber’s leave of absence was a proactive measure to prevent any distractions from Invest Alberta’s mission.
The government has not clarified whether Jaber’s decision to step back was influenced by their recommendation. Sam Blackett, spokesperson for Premier Danielle Smith, refrained from commenting on Jaber’s situation, citing the ongoing investigation as an obstacle to discussing individual roles.
Political Reactions
The political landscape surrounding this issue is charged. Naheed Nenshi, leader of the New Democratic Party, questioned why Jaber’s leave was voluntary rather than enforced. Government House Leader Joseph Schow acknowledged that Jaber “stepped down,” praising Invest Alberta for its crucial efforts in attracting business to the province.
Invest Alberta has chosen to remain tight-lipped about the matter, issuing a brief statement affirming that the remaining board members will continue their work to draw investments and bolster Alberta’s economic growth.
Ongoing Investigations
The RCMP’s inquiries extend beyond Jaber’s firm. They also searched the offices of MHCare and visited the residence of Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official at Alberta Health Services. Records obtained through an access to information request indicate that discussions about Jaber’s appointment to Invest Alberta’s board began in late 2023, with the Premier’s office prioritising his selection.
In light of past interactions, Jaber and Jaberson & Associates were linked to Premier Smith through an incident in the summer of 2024, where tickets to an NHL playoff game were provided, raising eyebrows regarding the nature of his relationship with the Premier’s office.
Why it Matters
The unfolding events surrounding Sam Jaber and the Invest Alberta Corporation highlight significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability within Alberta’s political and business landscape. As the RCMP investigation continues, the implications of these procurement allegations could extend far beyond one individual, potentially reshaping public trust in provincial governance and the integrity of its institutions. With the scrutiny of public officials at an all-time high, this situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical practices in both public and private sectors.
