News release

New Forensic Audit Information Goes to RCMP

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

New information arising from the Strait Regional School Board forensic audit is being turned over to the RCMP's Commercial Crime Section.

Education Minister Jane Purves, senior department officials, Strait board chair George Kehoe and the board's vice-chair and superintendent met with the auditors from PricewaterhouseCoopers on Wednesday, Jan. 30. It was agreed there was sufficient information on payments made to and received by two former board employees to be turned over to the RCMP for further investigation.

"This represents three months of intensive independent review by PricewaterhouseCoopers," said Ms. Purves. "While the investigation or any proceedings that might result are in progress, it is not appropriate to comment further."

A report that makes recommendations for the RCMP investigation, accounting and procedural changes and measures to increase accountability is expected within the next two weeks.

Ms. Purves said she was looking forward to any recommendations that will improve school board accountability. She added that the report would be made public.

"This matter has been at the top of all our minds for a long time," said Mr. Kehoe. "I am pleased to see the forensic audit nearing completion and appropriate steps being taken."

The forensic audit included a rigorous investigation of the financial aspects of the situation in the Strait Regional School Board. It was ordered on Nov. 8, 2001, after the discovery of financial irregularities around payments and authorization of payments made to senior staff dating back to 1996.