An AHS executive who made headlines two years ago amid allegations of lavish spending is now suing Health Minister Fred Horne and Alberta Health Services.
Allaudin Merali, who was the organization’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), says he was made a “scapegoat” in 2012 when he was fired.
“I was held to a different standard than the one enjoyed by others who have not been made the subject of public ridicule by the government,” said Merali in a statement released Friday.
Merali's Statement of Claim includes claims for a breach for contract, defamation, and loss of income.
“Not only did they tear up a legally binding contract, but defamatory statements were made which questioned by integrity and have damaged my ability to work in a senior management capacity in Canada,” Merali said.
Merali is seeking a total of more than $6 million dollars, which includes $4 million for future loss of income and benefits.
In the summer of 2012, a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act revealed the AHS executive claimed more than $340,000 in expenses between 2005 and 2008.
The documents show Merali expensed a variety of goods and services, from smaller expenses such as parking meters, a bottle of water, and a slice of pizza - to pricey dinners at high-end restaurants (some with bills totaling more than $3,000), alcohol, and stays at international hotels.
Merali says he does not intend to comment further until court proceedings are concluded.
Statement of Claim - Allaudin Merali
