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Ex-AHS CEO Verna Yiu Details Harassment After Dismissal

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 5:23 GMT by The Globe and Mail

Calgary, Alberta - January 8th, 2026 - Dr. Verna Yiu, the former President and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS), has publicly revealed she's been subjected to a sustained campaign of intimidation and harassment since her abrupt dismissal in November. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of the aftermath of a significant shakeup within Alberta's healthcare system, raising questions about the environment for leadership within public service.

In a statement released today, Dr. Yiu detailed a barrage of online attacks, threats, and deliberate attempts to damage her personal and professional reputation. She described the situation as a "relentless and coordinated campaign of harassment, intimidation, and defamation," which has significantly impacted her mental well-being. Dr. Yiu, a highly-respected pediatrician with years of experience in healthcare administration, stated she is currently seeking legal counsel and exploring all available options, including potential legal action, to address the ongoing harassment.

The United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) swiftly released a statement expressing unwavering support for Dr. Yiu and unequivocally condemning the attacks. The union's solidarity underscores the widespread concern within the healthcare community regarding the treatment of a former leader. "UNA is appalled by the relentless attacks on Dr. Yiu and stands in solidarity with her," the statement read. "We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the harassment and intimidation she has been subjected to." This union support is particularly notable, given the crucial role nurses play in the healthcare system and their potential insights into the dynamics at play.

Dr. Yiu's dismissal, alongside the entire AHS board on November 28th, was executed by the United Conservative Party (UCP) government, led by Premier Danielle Smith. The government framed the sweeping overhaul as a necessary step to improve healthcare delivery across the province. However, the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has fiercely criticized the dismissals, characterizing them as politically motivated and deeply disruptive to essential health services. This political tension is clearly a backdrop to the current situation, with accusations of ulterior motives fueling the scrutiny surrounding Dr. Yiu's departure.

Dr. Yiu was initially appointed to lead AHS in 2016, serving as the head of the province's healthcare system for seven years. During her tenure, she navigated numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and oversaw significant changes within AHS. While her leadership wasn't without critics, she was widely regarded as a competent and dedicated administrator.

The nature of the alleged harassment raises serious questions about the climate of political discourse and accountability in Alberta. The use of online attacks and intimidation tactics, particularly targeting a public servant, is deeply concerning. Experts in cybersecurity and online reputation management suggest that coordinated harassment campaigns often involve sophisticated strategies to amplify negativity and silence dissenting voices.

The implications of this situation extend beyond Dr. Yiu's personal experience. It could deter qualified individuals from seeking leadership positions within the public sector, fearing similar treatment. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of public figures to online abuse and the need for stronger protections against harassment. The legal avenues Dr. Yiu is exploring could set a precedent for addressing such attacks in the future. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the authorities investigate the alleged harassment and hold those responsible accountable. The long-term effect on Alberta's healthcare system, already facing challenges, remains to be seen. This incident could further exacerbate existing issues related to recruitment, retention, and morale within the healthcare workforce.