Elections Alberta investigated Sam Mraiche, the Edmonton businessman embroiled in Alberta’s health care procurement controversy, earlier this year over allegations he made illegal political contributions to the province’s United Conservative Party and New Democratic Party, court records show.

The authority disclosed its investigation into Mr. Mraiche this summer when it asked a provincial court to find him in contempt for failing to participate in an interview. The existence of the probe has not previously been reported. Mr. Mraiche’s lawyer said his client has since sat for an interview. Elections Alberta withdrew its contempt application in September.

Alberta’s health agency has cancelled negotiations with two companies owned in part by Sam Mraiche, the Edmonton businessman at the centre of the province’s procurement controversy.

The companies were in talks with Alberta Health Services to open private surgical facilities. Matt Jones, the Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, made the surprise announcement in the legislature on Tuesday, saying discussions related to proposed clinics in Red Deer and Lethbridge were terminated because of procurement issues and conflicts of interest at AHS.

Alberta’s Official Opposition on Sunday said a Globe and Mail story documenting ties between Premier Danielle Smith’s government and an Edmonton businessman underscore the need for a public inquiry into the province’s health care procurement practices.

New Democratic Party Leader Naheed Nenshi said The Globe’s investigation detailing links between executive Sam Mraiche and Ms. Smith’s government reveal “deep, deep, deep” ties worthy of further examination.

Alberta intends to allow physicians working in the province’s public health care system to simultaneously offer services in a parallel private market, according to confidential draft legislation obtained by The Globe and Mail.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government has prepared draft amendments that would transform the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act and establish a model for medicine unlike any in the country. No other Canadian province allows doctors to offer care under both systems at the same time.

Alberta’s United Conservative Party has filed a lawsuit against two of its former MLAs, alleging they have conspired to damage the party’s reputation by using the Progressive Conservative name.

Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair, both named as defendants, have been trying to start a provincial party under the PC banner since being expelled from the UCP caucus earlier this year. The PC Party governed Alberta for 43 consecutive years before merging with the Wildrose Party to form the UCP in 2017.