In a significant development, Sam Jaber, a board member of Invest Alberta Corp., has announced a voluntary leave from his position following a recent RCMP search of his accounting firm as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The inquiry centres around alleged irregularities in procurement processes within Alberta’s healthcare system, a situation that has raised serious concerns about transparency and governance in the province.
Investigation Unfolds
On March 19, the RCMP executed a search warrant at Jaberson & Associates, one of Jaber’s accounting firms located in Edmonton. This action came just days after allegations surfaced regarding inflated contracts and political interference related to Alberta Health Services (AHS). Premier Danielle Smith appointed Jaber to the Invest Alberta board in late 2023, a role he has now temporarily vacated to focus on the investigation.
In a statement on Invest Alberta’s website, it was confirmed that Jaber has taken a leave of absence to ensure he can devote his full attention to the organisation’s objectives. The note indicated that the board chair has accepted his request, signalling the seriousness of the current situation.
Historical Context of Allegations
The controversy regarding Alberta’s procurement practices gained public attention in February when reports highlighted questionable dealings involving private firms and potential impropriety at AHS. The RCMP officially confirmed in March 2025 that they were investigating these claims, particularly focusing on various contracts awarded by the health agency.
Among the companies under scrutiny is MHCare Medical Corp., which received a staggering $70-million contract in late 2022 to import children’s medication from Turkey. While Alberta Health Services compensated MHCare nearly the entire contract amount, reports suggest that only a third of the ordered medication actually arrived in the province, raising further red flags.
Jaber’s Connections and Responses
Sam Jaber’s involvement with MHCare extends beyond mere association; he is listed as the company’s chief financial officer in a 2022 organisational document. His accounting firms have also served as registrars for several business ventures linked to MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche. Jaber’s attorney has publicly stated that he believes his client is innocent and has expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will ultimately vindicate him.
“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,” Matthew Nathanson, Jaber’s lawyer, noted.
Political Reactions and Implications
The unfolding investigation has sparked political debate in the Alberta legislature. Naheed Nenshi, leader of the New Democratic Party, questioned why Jaber’s leave was voluntary rather than mandated by the government, prompting a response from Joseph Schow, the Government House Leader, who confirmed that Jaber had ‘stepped down.’
While Invest Alberta has refrained from commenting further, a statement on their website affirmed that the remaining board members will continue their work to attract investment to Alberta’s economy during this turbulent period.
As the investigation progresses, the RCMP have also executed search warrants at additional locations, including the residence of Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official at AHS with connections to Mraiche. This broadening of the inquiry underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for healthcare procurement in Alberta.
Why it Matters
The current investigation into procurement practices within Alberta’s healthcare system raises critical questions about accountability and governance in public institutions. With a prominent board member of Invest Alberta embroiled in allegations of misconduct, the situation highlights the need for rigorous oversight and transparency in government dealings. The outcomes of this inquiry could influence public trust in the province’s leadership and its commitment to ethical governance, making it a matter of significant public interest.
