Listen "Diagnosing a controversy"
Episode Synopsis
This week, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is juggling two battles—diplomatic in Washington and defensive at home. As she joins Canada’s premiers in efforts to counter looming U.S. tariffs, a political storm brews in Alberta. Former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos has filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, alleging she was fired for investigating what she believed were questionable private health-care contracts. The allegations have not been tested in court, but the case has prompted calls from both the NDP opposition and a cabinet minister for Health Minister Adriana LaGrange’s removal. How much political fallout could this controversy create for Smith and LaGrange? And how is the NDP responding? Meanwhile, a new Leger poll suggests a Mark Carney-led Liberal Party could erase recent Conservative gains, shaking up the federal race. Host Jason Markusoff speaks with political strategists Cheryl Oates and Andrew Sennyah, with longtime journalist Graham Thomson providing historical perspective.
More episodes of the podcast West of Centre
'It's a real problem for democracy'
24/10/2025
Not a normal strike
17/10/2025
Dodging and diplomacy
10/10/2025
Danielle Smith's 'choose your own adventure'
03/10/2025
Is 'pragmatism' good climate policy?
26/09/2025
Licence to divide
19/09/2025
Short: Party politics hits city hall
16/09/2025
No pipeline, no problem... For now
12/09/2025
West of Centre goes on summer break
04/08/2025
Buckle up, Alberta! 2025 ain't over yet
31/07/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.