UCP members in the Alberta legislature committee, holding the majority, have voted to launch the search for a new auditor general. This decision comes despite the current auditor general, Doug Wylie, expressing his willingness to continue in the role for an additional two years. Wylie stated that he intended to oversee the completion of the investigation into the procurement of private surgical facilities at Alberta Health Services and ensure a smooth transition for his successor. However, the committee opted to proceed with the search for a replacement.
Wylie’s term of eight years is set to conclude on April 28. The ongoing interviews for the health procurement investigation aim to finalize the report before Wylie’s term ends. While Wylie clarified that he was not seeking a full eight-year reappointment but rather an extension of two years to manage the transition process, the committee members proceeded with their decision to seek a new auditor general.
The motion to initiate the search for a new auditor general was introduced by Scott Cyr, a committee member representing Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul. The five UCP MLAs on the committee voted in favor of the motion, while the four NDP MLAs opposed it. The matter will now advance to the legislative assembly for a final vote.
In response to questions from reporters, Justice Minister Mickey Amery expressed confidence in the continuity of the auditor general’s work under the incoming successor. The investigations led by Wylie were prompted by allegations raised by Athana Mentzelopolous, who was terminated from her position as the CEO of AHS after raising concerns about contracts for private surgical centers.
Apart from the auditor general’s inquiry, which received additional funding, there are ongoing investigations by the RCMP and a report by retired Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant. The committee also addressed funding requests from Alberta’s chief electoral officer for handling citizen-initiated petitions and potential referendum preparations, with partial approval granted.
The committee’s decision to seek a new auditor general has sparked debates and criticism from opposition members, raising concerns about the government’s approach to handling the transition and ongoing investigations.