A board member of Invest Alberta Corp. has stepped down temporarily following a search warrant executed by the RCMP at his accounting firm, which is part of a broader investigation into alleged procurement irregularities within the province’s health care system. Sam Jaber, appointed to the board in late 2023 by Premier Danielle Smith’s administration, is currently under scrutiny as concerns mount over contracting practices involving Alberta Health Services.
Investigation Unfolds
The RCMP conducted a search at Jaberson & Associates, one of Jaber’s accounting firms located in Edmonton, last week as part of a criminal investigation focusing on procurement practices linked to health care contracts. In a brief statement on the Invest Alberta website, it was noted that Jaber had voluntarily taken a leave of absence to fully commit himself to the organisation’s objectives. The Board Chair has reportedly accepted his request.
The origins of this controversy can be traced back to February 2024, when allegations surfaced regarding inflated contracts awarded to private companies and potential political interference within Alberta’s health sector. The investigation was confirmed by the Mounties in March 2025, with a focus on a number of contracts associated with Alberta Health Services.
Key Players Under Investigation
Among the entities being scrutinised is MHCare Medical Corp., which was granted a significant $70-million contract in late 2022 to import children’s medications from Turkey. However, reports indicate that only a fraction of the ordered supplies actually reached Alberta, raising further questions about the integrity of the contracting process. Jaber is identified as MHCare’s chief financial officer in a 2022 corporate structure, and his accounting firms have acted as registering agents for various businesses linked to MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche.
Jaber’s legal representation, Matthew Nathanson, has asserted that his client has not engaged in any wrongdoing, expressing confidence that a thorough investigation will clear Jaber of any allegations. “In the meantime, my client has taken a voluntary leave of absence from his duties at Invest Alberta to avoid any distraction from the important work that organisation is doing,” Nathanson stated.
Government and Opposition Responses
The situation has drawn attention from various political figures, including Naheed Nenshi, leader of the New Democratic Party, who questioned why Jaber’s leave was voluntary rather than enforced by the government. Joseph Schow, the Government House Leader, confirmed that Jaber “stepped down” but praised Invest Alberta’s efforts in attracting investment to the province.
In light of these developments, Invest Alberta has chosen not to comment further, stating that the remaining board members will continue their efforts to promote economic growth and diversification in Alberta during this period of transition.
The RCMP’s investigation is ongoing, with multiple search warrants executed in connection to the case. Notably, officials also visited the residence of Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official at Alberta Health Services, who has ties to Mraiche.
The Path Ahead for Invest Alberta
The investigation casts a shadow over Invest Alberta, an agency designed to foster investment in the province by leveraging personal networks and providing valuable information to prospective international businesses. Jaber’s role, now in jeopardy, raises questions about the governance and accountability within the organisation, particularly in light of the serious allegations of misconduct.
Why it Matters
The unfolding situation highlights critical issues surrounding transparency and ethical governance within Alberta’s public sector. As the investigation progresses, it is essential for public confidence in the integrity of provincial institutions to be upheld. The outcome could have significant implications for how procurement processes are managed and monitored, potentially leading to reforms aimed at ensuring accountability and preventing future irregularities in the healthcare sector.
