“The purpose for the call with Ms. Mentzelopoulos on January 2, 2025 was to confirm the status of the AHS investigation. During that call, Ms. Mentzelopoulos shared a multitude of rumours and concerns of potential wrongdoing by various individuals and organizations. I will admit, I was surprised by several of these allegations and expressed that to her. It appears Ms. Mentzelopoulos has taken portions of that conversation entirely out of context, as though I was in agreement with or confirming portions of these concerns and allegations. This is entirely inappropriate, untrue, and I find her willingness to distort my conversation with her to be hurtful and disheartening given our histories as trusted colleagues.
“I have taken several steps to investigate whether there was any basis to Ms. Mentzelopoulos’ theories and allegations. This included an internal document review, independent corporate searches, multiple inquires to First Nations and Métis partners that are actively building recovery communities, and other steps to ascertain if there was any involvement in those projects by individuals or organizations connected to Ms. Mentzelopoulos’ theories and allegations.
“I have been unable to identify any evidence supporting the allegations and theories communicated to me by Ms. Mentzelopoulos on the Jan. 2 call, including allegations of improper conduct on the files we discussed. I also, along with many others, await the findings of the retired Chief Judge of Manitoba and Auditor General in this regard, and will of course fully cooperate in any investigation.”