In a significant development, Sam Jaber, a board member of Invest Alberta Corp., has announced a temporary leave from his position following an RCMP search of his accounting firm as part of a criminal investigation into alleged procurement irregularities within Alberta’s healthcare system. This decision comes just days after police executed search warrants at Jaberson & Associates in Edmonton, raising serious questions about governance and accountability in the province’s health sector.
Background of the Investigation
The scrutiny surrounding Alberta’s procurement practices first emerged in February 2023, when reports surfaced alleging that inflated contracts and political interference were compromising the integrity of the provincial health agency. The RCMP confirmed in March 2025 that they were probing alleged procurement irregularities at Alberta Health Services, focusing on several contracts, including one involving MHCare Medical Corp., which was awarded a staggering $70 million to import children’s medication from Turkey. Alarmingly, only a third of the ordered medication has reportedly reached Alberta.
Jaber’s connection to MHCare is noteworthy; he is listed as the chief financial officer in a 2022 organisational chart linked to the company. Additionally, corporate records reveal that two of Jaber’s accounting firms have acted as registering agents for business ventures associated with MHCare’s owner, Sam Mraiche.
Jaber’s Response and Temporary Leave
In a statement released on Tuesday, a notice on Invest Alberta’s website indicated that Jaber had voluntarily taken a leave of absence to focus on the ongoing investigation. “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 read. Board Chair has accepted his request.
Jaber’s lawyer, Matthew Nathanson, expressed confidence in his client’s innocence, stating, “We are confident that a fair and balanced investigation will reach this conclusion. 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 organization is doing.”
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
The ongoing investigation has prompted political responses, with Naheed Nenshi, the Leader of the New Democratic Party, questioning the nature of Jaber’s leave. He raised concerns as to why the government had not mandated Jaber to step down. Joseph Schow, the Government House Leader, confirmed that Jaber had indeed “stepped down,” while he praised Invest Alberta’s achievements in attracting new businesses to the province.
Invest Alberta, established to enhance investment opportunities in the area, remains focused on its mission. A statement on their website reassured stakeholders that the remaining board members would continue their vital work during this period.
Continued Investigations into Procurement Practices
The RCMP’s investigation extends beyond Jaber. The police also searched the offices of MHCare and the residence of Jitendra Prasad, a former senior procurement official at Alberta Health Services. Prasad’s ties to Mraiche further complicate the situation, suggesting a web of connections that may have influenced procurement decisions.
Interestingly, discussions regarding Jaber’s appointment to the Invest Alberta board began in late 2023, shortly after a government staff email highlighted the Premier’s interest in prioritising his nomination. The Premier officially appointed Jaber just weeks later, with his term set to conclude in January 2024.
Why it Matters
This unfolding scandal underscores the critical importance of transparency and accountability in government procurement processes. As investigations continue, the implications for Alberta’s healthcare system and governance could be profound, potentially reshaping public trust in institutions meant to serve the community. The outcome will not only affect those directly involved but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, highlighting the necessity for rigorous checks and balances within public procurement systems.
