Alberta government mulls legal action against social services agency that moved clients to motel
CBC
The Government of Alberta said it is eyeing legal action against Contentment Social Services if it does not return provincial financial benefits used by clients to pay for its services.
In March, the province opened four investigations into the registered non-profit after CBC News broke the story of Blair Canniff, a high needs stroke patient who had been expecting, upon discharge, to go from an Edmonton hospital into a long-term care facility. He was moved into a hotel south of the city.
He and his family reported the hotel room wasn't properly equipped for his wheelchair, his hygiene wasn't being managed and he was given fast food to eat.
The province ultimately took over the care of 27 clients who had been under the provider's care and covered the cost of a hotel bill from the registered non-profit that had not been paid.
Now, the investigation under the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services into the misuse of clients' financial benefits has been completed, CBC News has learned.
In an interview with CBC News, Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said he could not share how much is owed to the province, citing possible litigation, but said, to date, neither financial benefits nor hotel costs had been paid back by Contentment Social Services.
Nixon said the province has been in communication with the legal counsel of Contentment Social Services.
"I just am aware that they have been communicating and [we] have expressed in particular the fact that some of these resources that were used need to be paid back," Nixon said.
"We are now at the spot where we're headed towards potential litigation."
When asked whether a deadline had been presented to the social services provider, Nixon said if there were not "results soon," the government would continue down the avenue of legal action.
"It's my view that we need to have this cleared up this year," said Nixon.
The ministry said information has been turned over to Edmonton Police Service. Nixon says EPS suggested clients reach out to police directly and he said those impacted have been told to do so.
A spokesperson for the Edmonton Police Service tells CBC News it is not currently investigating Contentment Social Services.
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