Forensic Audit of Strait Board Ordered
Department of Education (to March 26, 2013)
November 8, 2001 12:50 PM
Education Minister Jane Purves and the Strait Regional School
Board stepped up the investigation into the board's financial
affairs by ordering a forensic audit.
Ms. Purves said PricewaterhouseCoopers will conduct the forensic
review beginning today, Nov. 8. This is the minister's latest
effort to determine the full extent of financial irregularities
involving senior staff of that board.
"We've never seen a situation involving a school board that is as
serious as this," said Ms. Purves. "This forensic audit is
crucial in order to account for taxpayers' money intended for the
classroom, and to give peace of mind to all Nova Scotians --
parents, teachers and students."
Ms. Purves said the audit will run parallel to the RCMP's
investigation.
"We have evidence of problems dating back to 1996," said George
Kehoe, newly elected chair of the Strait Board. "We need answers.
How did this happen and how did it go unnoticed for so long?"
The forensic audit will include a rigorous investigation of the
financial aspects of the situation in the Strait Regional School
Board. The audit will provide recommendations for accounting and
procedural changes and measures to increase accountability.
Members of the Halifax office of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Patrick
O'Neil and Abel Lazarus, will carry out the audit. Mr. O'Neil has
more than 30 years of professional audit experience in Nova
Scotia, including special consulting assignments for industry and
government. Mr. Lazarus is a certified fraud examiner with more
than seven years' experience in the Halifax, New York and Miami
offices.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The investigation into the financial affairs of the Strait
Regional School Board is being stepped up.
Education Minister Jane Purves and the Strait Board ordered
a forensic audit to start today, November 8th.
The minister said the audit is crucial in order to account
for taxpayers' money intended for the classroom and for the
peace of mind of all Nova Scotians.
PricewaterhouseCoopers will conduct the review.
-30-
Contact: Robyn McIsaac
Department of Education
902-424-8286
E-mail: mcisaarc@gov.ns.ca
kjd November 8, 2001 12:49 P.M.
Education Minister Jane Purves and the Strait Regional School
Board stepped up the investigation into the board's financial
affairs by ordering a forensic audit.
Ms. Purves said PricewaterhouseCoopers will conduct the forensic
review beginning today, Nov. 8. This is the minister's latest
effort to determine the full extent of financial irregularities
involving senior staff of that board.
"We've never seen a situation involving a school board that is as
serious as this," said Ms. Purves. "This forensic audit is
crucial in order to account for taxpayers' money intended for the
classroom, and to give peace of mind to all Nova Scotians --
parents, teachers and students."
Ms. Purves said the audit will run parallel to the RCMP's
investigation.
"We have evidence of problems dating back to 1996," said George
Kehoe, newly elected chair of the Strait Board. "We need answers.
How did this happen and how did it go unnoticed for so long?"
The forensic audit will include a rigorous investigation of the
financial aspects of the situation in the Strait Regional School
Board. The audit will provide recommendations for accounting and
procedural changes and measures to increase accountability.
Members of the Halifax office of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Patrick
O'Neil and Abel Lazarus, will carry out the audit. Mr. O'Neil has
more than 30 years of professional audit experience in Nova
Scotia, including special consulting assignments for industry and
government. Mr. Lazarus is a certified fraud examiner with more
than seven years' experience in the Halifax, New York and Miami
offices.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The investigation into the financial affairs of the Strait
Regional School Board is being stepped up.
Education Minister Jane Purves and the Strait Board ordered
a forensic audit to start today, November 8th.
The minister said the audit is crucial in order to account
for taxpayers' money intended for the classroom and for the
peace of mind of all Nova Scotians.
PricewaterhouseCoopers will conduct the review.
-30-
Contact: Robyn McIsaac
Department of Education
902-424-8286
E-mail: mcisaarc@gov.ns.ca
kjd November 8, 2001 12:49 P.M.