EDMONTON — A report investigating allegations of corruption in Alberta health contracts has revealed that two staff members were widely recognized to be in "real or perceived" conflicts of interest. Despite this knowledge, senior health officials took no action. The report, authored by former Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant, highlights limitations in his investigation into the multimillion-dollar contracts related to pain medication and private surgical services.

Wyant stated that he found no evidence of wrongdoing by Premier Danielle Smith, her ministers, or other political staff. However, he noted that his limited authority prevented him from making definitive conclusions. "That only means that I found no evidence of such," he wrote in the report released on Friday. "I can only make conclusions based on the documents I was able to review and the people I interviewed."

The investigation was prompted by allegations stemming from a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by a former CEO of Alberta's provincial health authority. In March, Smith's government ordered the inquiry. Wyant interviewed 26 individuals, including a businessman central to the allegations and the two staff members, Jitendra Prasad and Blayne Iskiw, who were identified as being in conflict.

Wyant's report stated, "The situations ... where both Mr. Prasad and Mr. Iskiw were in real or perceived conflicts of interest, were widely known by many people at AHS, and yet no steps were taken by senior officials to deal with the situation with either person." He added that many assumed those in charge were aware of the issues and had addressed them, which was not the case. Wyant emphasized the need for processes that allow individuals to report such matters without fear of repercussions.

Notably, Smith, her current chief of staff, and her ministers were not interviewed during the investigation. Wyant explained that some individuals declined to participate or avoided certain questions due to the investigation's non-public inquiry status. He remarked, "Because there was not the kind of vigorous examination and cross-examination that would take place in a formal setting, I could not come to conclusions on the credibility of information provided verbally by interviewees."

While Wyant felt that many interviewees were truthful, he sensed that some did not provide complete information. In response to the report, Smith stated that it "clearly indicated" that elected officials and senior staff acted appropriately. However, she expressed disappointment regarding how the contracts and procurements were managed by Alberta Health Services decision-makers and some employees. Smith has instructed her top bureaucrat, Dale McFee, to collaborate with relevant government ministries to implement Wyant's 18 recommendations, which include enhancing conflict and procurement policies and improving whistleblower protections.

This report was first published on October 17, 2025.