Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Health Services (AHS) is demanding repayment of millions after an internal audit found $4.1 million in overpayments to a private ambulance provider, with nearly $1 million flagged as misused funds.
The revelation has drawn sharp criticism from both the public and political leaders, who argue that weak oversight has allowed serious financial mismanagement to continue unchecked for years.
“This is not only about wasted dollars, it’s about accountability in a system people depend on during emergencies,” said one Calgary community advocate.
Paramedics on the frontlines say the disclosure adds to growing frustration. Many note they are told funding is stretched thin, yet millions were lost to mismanagement. The Opposition is now pressing AHS and the provincial government to explain how the situation went undetected for over a decade and to guarantee safeguards are in place going forward. AHS has emphasized that emergency response for Albertans will not be disrupted. However, the audit’s findings have reignited debate about whether private EMS contracts should undergo stricter provincial oversight to prevent similar problems in the future.
