**
A complex web of political intrigue and allegations has emerged in Alberta, centred around the controversial procurement practices of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the actions of a political operative. David Wallace, known for his aggressive tactics and foul-mouthed podcasts, has launched a campaign aimed at discrediting key figures involved in questioning AHS’s dealings, raising concerns about harassment and the integrity of public service.
The Allegations Take Flight
The saga began when Ed Edmonstone, a former banker with a long history in high-stakes negotiations, found himself under attack from Wallace, a self-identified political mercenary. Wallace’s vitriol included calling Edmonstone an “adulterous scumbag,” and he openly admitted to hiring others to delve into Edmonstone’s private life. “I decided that maybe somebody should dig into Mr. Edmonstone,” he said on his podcast.
This hostile environment was not limited to Edmonstone; former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos also found herself under siege. Mentzelopoulos, who had initiated investigations into the pressure exerted by Premier Danielle Smith’s government regarding contracts awarded to specific vendors, faced threats from Wallace. “Athana, I’m coming for you,” he declared on air, promising to expose her life in detail.
A Culture of Fear
The backlash against those who dared to question AHS’s dealings has been alarming. Globe and Mail reporters Carrie Tait and Alanna Smith uncovered various troubling aspects of the AHS procurement process, leading to Tait being stalked and even having her phone number spoofed. Tait recounted that on June 28, she received multiple calls from contacts asking if she had tried to reach them—an intrusive tactic that left her feeling exposed and threatened.
In response to the harassment faced by Tait and others, Edmonstone began assembling a legal team to investigate the smear campaign against him. Both his and Tait’s experiences reveal a disturbing trend of
