[Dion]

Alberta Health Services’ financial boss has resigned as it was revealed he’d racked up an exorbitant $346,000 in expenses.

The move was announced Wednesday ahead of a media outlet revealing information that AHS CFO Allaudin Merali had spent the $346,000 in 146 filings in a role with the Capital Health Authority from 2005-2008.

In Ontario, Merali’s bills climbed to an average of $76,000 a month in January through March 2009, including $24,000 for flights between Edmonton and Toronto.

Those expenses fuelled a considerable scandal in that province.

In 2008, he expensed $1,839 at the Edmonton Mayfair Golf Club with no explanation for the AHS.

In a statement, Health Minister Fred Horne said he supports Merali’s departure, saying it’s needed to ensure Albertans’ confidence in their medical system.

“I am concerned, and I understand why Albertans would be concerned, about these expense claims,” he said.

http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/08/01...ali-out-of-ahs