In a significant development, Sam Jaber, a board member of Invest Alberta Corp., has stepped down from his role following an RCMP search of his accounting firm, Jaberson & Associates, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged procurement irregularities within Alberta’s healthcare system. This decision comes just days after law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at his Edmonton-based firm.
Background of the Investigation
Sam Jaber was appointed to the Invest Alberta board in late 2023 by Premier Danielle Smith’s administration. The investigation into procurement practices within Alberta’s healthcare sector gained traction in February 2024, when concerns about inflated contracts and potential political interference were first reported. The RCMP confirmed in March 2025 that they were looking into questionable procurement activities at Alberta Health Services (AHS), particularly focusing on contracts signed by the agency.
One of the companies under scrutiny is MHCare Medical Corp., which was awarded a substantial $70 million contract in late 2022 to import children’s medication from Turkey. Alarmingly, AHS disbursed nearly the entire contract amount; however, only one-third of the ordered medication actually reached the province.
Jaber’s Role and Response
Sam Jaber is noted as the chief financial officer of MHCare in a 2022 organisational chart made public. Records indicate that his accounting firm has acted as a registering agent for various business ventures associated with MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche. In a statement released on Tuesday, Jaber’s lawyer asserted that his client has not engaged in any wrongdoing and expressed confidence that the investigation will clear him.
“To avoid any distraction from the important work that organisation is doing, my client has taken a voluntary leave of absence from his duties at Invest Alberta,” the lawyer stated via email.
Despite Mr. Jaber’s departure, both he and MHCare have denied any allegations of misconduct.
Government’s Stance and Legislative Reactions
The Premier’s office has remained tight-lipped regarding Jaber’s status, with spokesperson Sam Blackett refusing to clarify whether the government suggested his leave or if it was entirely voluntary. “As this is an active RCMP investigation, it would be entirely inappropriate for the Government to comment at this time on any of the individuals involved,” Blackett stated.
In contrast, Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the New Democratic Party, questioned the nature of Jaber’s leave during a legislative session, suggesting that it should have been mandated by the government rather than being a personal choice. Joseph Schow, Government House Leader, responded by confirming that Jaber “stepped down” while highlighting Invest Alberta’s contributions to attracting businesses to the province.
Continuing Operations at Invest Alberta
Invest Alberta has publicly stated that its remaining board members will carry on with their essential work, focusing on attracting investment and fostering economic growth within the province during Jaber’s absence. The board’s online statement reiterated its commitment to supporting Alberta’s economic diversification efforts.
The RCMP’s investigation, which has now included multiple search warrants, has also extended to Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official with AHS, who has associations with Mr. Mraiche. This escalating situation reflects a broader concern regarding the integrity of procurement processes in Alberta’s public sector.
Why it Matters
The unfolding investigation into procurement practices within Alberta’s healthcare system not only raises questions about the governance and oversight of public contracts but also highlights potential conflicts of interest involving high-ranking officials. As the situation evolves, the implications for public trust in governmental institutions and the effectiveness of Alberta’s healthcare delivery system are profound. The outcomes of this investigation could shape future policies and accountability measures within the province, underscoring the critical need for transparency in public procurement processes.
