3 Alberta government managers committed wrongdoing: review

EDMONTON – A review of whistleblower allegations has found wrongdoing by three senior Alberta government managers in the awarding of contracts.

The province’s public interest commissioner received several allegations late last year that staff in two departments ensured eight preferred individuals were top candidates for information technology contracts.

“We were able to confirm the frequency, duration and nature of the manipulations were a clear departure from the approved process and objective of open procurement,” Peter Hourihan said in a release Thursday.

“These acts undermine confidence and trust in government generally, and in procurement specifically.”

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The contracts had potential or real values exceeding $100,000 each.

Hourihan said none of the employees acted out of personal gain. He said they were attempting to simplify hiring and ensure their preferred candidates were successful.

The commissioner’s investigation also found the managers knowingly directed or counselled others to commit wrongdoing under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

Two managers from the Department of Innovation and Advanced Education and one with Alberta Innovates were singled out.

“Our expectation is the department and Alberta Innovates implement appropriate changes to address these issues, including efforts to remedy a culture of acceptance surrounding these practices. Both authorities should also consider appropriate disciplinary action,” Hourihan said.

Alberta’s municipal affairs minister says the three senior government managers are facing disciplinary action. But Deron Bilous won’t say if they were fired.

He says the government will bring in a plan to make sure such problems don’t happen again. Bilous refuses to say whether a police investigation is warranted.

Hourihan makes several recommendations to ensure similar problems are not repeated. They include modifying procurement policies to ensure safeguards are in place, training employees to comply with approved processes and identifying and addressing ethical dilemmas.