Sam Jaber, a board member of Invest Alberta Corp., has stepped back from his role following a police search of his accounting firm, Jaberson & Associates, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into irregularities in the province’s healthcare procurement processes. The search took place on March 19, just days before Jaber’s announcement, raising significant concerns within the provincial government.
Background of the Investigation
The controversy surrounding Alberta’s procurement practices first came to light in February 2023, igniting public interest and concern after allegations emerged regarding inflated contracts and possible political interference at Alberta Health Services (AHS). The RCMP confirmed in March 2025 that they were investigating these procurement discrepancies, which include several contracts awarded by AHS, notably a $70-million deal with MHCare Medical Corp. to import children’s medication from Turkey. Alarmingly, only a fraction of the ordered medication reached the province, despite nearly the full payment being made.
Jaber, identified as the chief financial officer for MHCare in a 2022 organisational chart, has connections to the company through his accounting practices. His firm has served as a registering agent for several ventures linked to MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche. Jaber’s lawyer, Matthew Nathanson, has stated that his client has acted properly and expressed confidence in the investigation’s eventual conclusion.
Jaber’s Leave of Absence
Following the police search, Jaber announced a voluntary leave of absence from Invest Alberta, a role he had been appointed to by Premier Danielle Smith’s government just months earlier. In a notice posted on Invest Alberta’s website, it was stated that Jaber wished to focus more fully on the organisation’s objectives without distractions. The Board Chair accepted his request.
“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 notice read.
Questions arose in the legislature regarding the nature of Jaber’s leave, with opposition leader Naheed Nenshi questioning why it was voluntary rather than mandated by the government. Government House Leader Joseph Schow confirmed Jaber’s departure while highlighting Invest Alberta’s ongoing efforts to attract business investment to the province.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Reactions
The RCMP’s investigation has expanded beyond Jaber, with searches also conducted at MHCare’s headquarters and a residence linked to Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official at AHS. Prasad, who had ties to Mraiche, was previously seconded to the government. This ongoing investigation underscores the complexity of the situation surrounding healthcare procurement in Alberta.
The fallout from these allegations and the investigation has sparked significant discussion regarding governance and accountability within Alberta’s healthcare system. The implications of these procurement irregularities could have far-reaching effects on public trust and the integrity of health services in the province.
Why it Matters
The situation involving Sam Jaber and the RCMP investigation into procurement practices highlights critical issues surrounding transparency and accountability in Alberta’s healthcare system. As authorities delve deeper into these allegations, the potential for reform and greater scrutiny of healthcare contracts looms large. The outcome of this investigation could reshape the relationship between government, private enterprise, and public trust, ultimately influencing how health services are delivered in Alberta. The ongoing developments will be closely watched by both the public and those within the healthcare sector, as the implications extend far beyond individual accountability to the very fabric of provincial governance.
