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Alberta’s auditor says taxpayers lost $109M in lab testing debacle
The failed privatization led to $109 million in costs due to oversight failures and financial miscalculations, with wait times improving 76% after services returned to public control.
- On Nov. 19, 2025, Alberta auditor general Doug Wylie released a report estimating taxpayers lost about $109 million after the province bought out DynaLIFE and returned the contract to Alberta Precision Laboratories.
- Politicians advanced the privatization after signing a 15-year contract with DynaLIFE, pushing the deal despite bureaucrats warning savings wouldn’t materialize and major failures in oversight, records management and financial analysis.
- Service reports show Albertans waiting for routine lab tests faced weeks-long delays and scarce appointments in Calgary and the south region, while a memorandum of understanding governs staff, property and equipment transfers by the end of 2023.
- In early November, the province announced it would not renew Doug Wylie’s contract, despite his offer to stay, while the Opposition NDP accused the government of pushing him out, and a report found no wrongful interference.
- His office says the probe was hindered when withheld documents delayed progress, and Wylie requested $977,000 more funding, which the government deferred until December.
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The Toronto StarReposted by 
Loonie Politics
Loonie PoliticsAlberta’s auditor general says taxpayers lost $109M in lab testing debacle
EDMONTON - Alberta's auditor general estimates the government's failed effort to privatize community lab testing services left taxpayers on the hook for about $109 million.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 45%
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