Globe and Mail Recognized for Investigative Journalism

The Globe and Mail has been nominated for a Michener Award for its in-depth investigation into a health care procurement controversy in Alberta. The reporting exposed potential ties between government officials and private companies, leading to significant repercussions.

Uncovering the Controversy

Key Findings of the Investigation

Calgary-based reporter Rachel Tait played a crucial role in uncovering details of the scandal. Tait’s reporting revealed that Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former head of Alberta’s health authority, was dismissed by Premier Danielle Smith’s government after refusing to halt an internal probe into contracts between Alberta Health Services and private companies.

The Globe’s investigative team, including Tom Cardoso, Mark MacKinnon, Stephanie Chambers, and Alanna Smith, further discovered that Sam Mraiche, an Edmonton businessman with close ties to the Smith administration, secured lucrative contracts through his company, MHCare Medical Inc. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MHCare received over $600 million in contracts, including a $70-million sole-sourced deal for children’s medication, with limited delivery.

Impact and Aftermath

The Globe’s findings prompted the government to terminate negotiations with a surgical company partially owned by Mraiche. In March, the RCMP executed a search warrant at MHCare’s Edmonton office. However, Mraiche’s lawyer, Scott Hutchison, maintains that no improper conduct occurred.

Other Michener Award Finalists

CTV News was nominated for its investigation into the non-consensual sharing of intimate videos, resulting in over 60 criminal charges. La Presse was acknowledged for exposing a loophole in the trucking industry. Radio-Canada’s investigation into for-profit Lyme disease clinics and The Trillium’s coverage of the Skills Development Fund scandal were also finalists.

The Winnipeg Free Press earned a nomination for its reporting on teacher oversight in Manitoba. Margo Goodhand, president of the Michener Awards Foundation, praised the finalists, stating, “These newsrooms exemplify the very best of Canadian journalism. Their work demonstrates the essential role of a free press in holding institutions accountable, amplifying under-reported issues, and safeguarding the public interest.”