Alberta government recommended Sam Mraiche-linked company to build recovery centre, lawyer alleges
https://archive.is/vEaLr#selection-2849.0-2873.200
The Alberta government recommended a company linked to businessman Sam Mraiche to build a $35-million addiction recovery centre on a First Nation near Calgary, according to the community’s former lawyer.
Tsuut’ina Nation, which broke ground on its recovery centre in 2024, is one of several Indigenous communities building addiction treatment facilities funded by the provincial government.
Terry Braun, the nation’s former lawyer, alleges in a court document that the government of Alberta played a role in Tsuut’ina’s selection of Melewka Homes Ltd. The builder has been linked in court filings to Mr. Mraiche, who is a central figure in a health care procurement controversy in the province and has connections to powerful figures in Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government.
While Mr. Braun’s filing does not detail who made the recommendation, his assertion is the first indication that Ms. Smith’s government suggested a candidate to build Tsuut’ina’s health care facility.