A member of the Invest Alberta Corp. board has temporarily stepped down from his role following a search of his accounting firm by the RCMP, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged procurement irregularities within Alberta’s healthcare sector. Sam Jaber, who was appointed to the board in late 2023, has opted to take this leave to ensure that his focus remains on the integrity of the organisation.
RCMP Search Raises Questions
On March 19, officers executed a search warrant at Jaberson & Associates, Jaber’s accounting and tax preparation firm located in Edmonton. This action follows reports of inflated contracts and potential political interference involving the provincial health authority. The RCMP confirmed in March that they are probing allegations concerning procurement practices at Alberta Health Services, which has sparked significant concern among stakeholders.
In a statement on Invest Alberta’s website, a note has been added indicating Jaber’s voluntary leave of absence. “Sam Jaber has informed the Board that he is voluntarily taking a temporary leave of absence from his duties as a member of the Invest Alberta Board until such time he is able to dedicate his time and energy more fully to the goals of the organization,” the note reads. The Board Chair has accepted his request.
Background of the Procurement Controversy
The controversy surrounding Alberta’s procurement practices first emerged in February when allegations surfaced regarding inflated contracts awarded to private companies. The scrutiny intensified in March 2025 when it became public knowledge that the Mounties were investigating various transactions involving Alberta Health Services.
One notable contract under investigation is linked to MHCare Medical Corp., which was awarded a staggering £70 million to import children’s medication from Turkey in late 2022. However, reports indicate that only a third of the contracted medication arrived in Alberta, raising serious questions about the deal’s legitimacy.
Jaber is listed as the chief financial officer for MHCare, as evidenced by a 2022 organisational chart. His accounting firm has also acted as a registering agent for several business ventures associated with MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche. Jaber’s attorney, Matthew Nathanson, has stated that his client is innocent, expressing confidence that the investigation will exonerate him. “We are confident that a fair and balanced investigation will reach this conclusion,” he said.
Political Reactions and Implications
The situation has caught the attention of political leaders, with Naheed Nenshi, the Leader of the New Democratic Party, questioning why Jaber’s leave was voluntary rather than enforced by the government. In response, Joseph Schow, the Government House Leader, confirmed that Jaber had indeed “stepped down” and praised Invest Alberta’s efforts in attracting investment to the province.
Invest Alberta has not commented further on the matter beyond the statement regarding Jaber’s leave. The remaining board members are committed to continuing their work to foster economic growth and diversification in Alberta, as outlined on the organisation’s website.
Ongoing Investigations
The RCMP’s investigation is far-reaching, with multiple search warrants executed in connection to this case. In addition to Jaber’s firm, authorities have also searched MHCare’s headquarters and visited the residence of Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official at Alberta Health Services who has connections to Mraiche.
Documents obtained through an access to information request reveal that discussions regarding Jaber’s appointment to the Invest Alberta board were deemed a priority within the Premier’s Office in late 2023. Premier Danielle Smith signed the order-in-council for his appointment just weeks later, with Jaber’s term set to expire next January.
Why it Matters
The implications of this investigation extend beyond individual reputations; they raise critical questions about transparency and integrity within Alberta’s healthcare procurement processes. As the investigation unfolds, it has the potential to impact public trust in governmental institutions and the management of healthcare resources. The outcome will be closely watched, with many hoping for clarity and accountability in a system that is already under scrutiny.
