Politics · Canada · 6 hrs ago
Former lawyer says Alberta recommended builder for Tsuut’ina recovery centre
Tsuut’ina Nation’s former lawyer says Alberta recommended a builder for the community’s addiction recovery centre near Calgary.
The planned centre is valued at $35 million and remains unfinished.
The recommended company, Melewka Homes, has been linked in court filings to businessman Sam Mraiche, who is part of a provincial health-care procurement controversy and whose business and government contracts are under RCMP investigation.
The claim challenges the government’s account that Indigenous communities chose their own contractors after receiving provincial grants.
Tsuut’ina is suing its former lawyer, alleging problems with the procurement process and that Mraiche had an undisclosed role; the former lawyer denies wrongdoing.
Melewka Homes also received contracts for recovery centres involving two other Indigenous communities, and its projects have faced allegations of unpaid subcontractors.
The centre and related legal disputes remain unresolved in the information available.
Terry Braun, Tsuut’ina Nation’s former lawyer, alleges Alberta recommended Melewka Homes Ltd. to build the Nation’s $35-million addiction recovery centre.
The allegation appears in a court document related to Tsuut’ina’s lawsuit against Braun over the procurement process.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said Indigenous communities were responsible for selecting builders when they received provincial grants.
Tsuut’ina alleges the centre’s procurement was sole-sourced and marked by “red flags”; Braun denies wrongdoing.
Melewka Homes has been linked in court filings to businessman Sam Mraiche, who is part of an RCMP investigation into business and government contracts.
- Who
- Terry Braun, Tsuut’ina Nation’s former lawyer, made the allegation. It concerns Alberta, Tsuut’ina Nation and builder Melewka Homes Ltd.
- What
- Braun alleges Alberta recommended Melewka Homes to build Tsuut’ina’s addiction recovery centre.
- When
- The centre broke ground in 2024. The allegation was reported on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Tsuut’ina Nation, near Calgary, Alberta.
- Why
- Braun said the company was recommended because it was building comparable recovery facilities elsewhere in Alberta.
Terry Braun
Danielle Smith and the Alberta government
Government’s role in builder selection
Terry Braun
Braun alleges Alberta recommended Melewka Homes for the project.
Danielle Smith and the Alberta government
Smith has said Indigenous communities were responsible for selecting builders and managing their contracts.
Procurement responsibility
Terry Braun
Braun’s filing says the government recommended the company.
Danielle Smith and the Alberta government
Smith has said the province gives communities grants and leaves procurement decisions to them.
Tsuut’ina Nation broke ground on its recovery centre.
Alberta’s United Conservative Party government became entangled in a purchasing controversy after Alberta Health Services chief executive Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired.
Smith told the legislature that purchasing decisions for recovery centres were left to Indigenous communities.
Tsuut’ina sued Braun over alleged wrongdoing in the recovery-centre procurement process.
The Globe and Mail reported Braun’s allegation that Alberta recommended Melewka Homes.
- Project cost
- $35-million
- Builder
- Melewka Homes Ltd.
- Community
- Tsuut’ina Nation, near Calgary
- Groundbreaking
- 2024
- Former lawyer
- Terry Braun
- Provincial grants
- Three Indigenous communities collectively received more than $100-million
What people are saying
The Government of Alberta recommended Melewka Homes Ltd. for the construction of the Project as Melewka Homes was constructing comparable recovery facilities elsewhere in Alberta as part of a broader recovery model within the province
We know nothing about them
which is why we rely on the First Nations and the Métis, when we give them a grant, to manage their own contracts.
is that we give them a grant, and they do the procurement.
Sources
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