News release

Criminal Investigation Launched

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations has referred a possible case of fraud to the Halifax Regional Police Service for investigation.

A routine audit conducted by departmental staff last week uncovered a series of irregular payments totalling more than $360,000 made by a departmental employee since 1997. The employee has been terminated.

All information related to the case was turned over Thursday, Dec. 30 to Halifax regional police.

"This is a very serious matter which is why our department contacted the police. We want to make sure that any alleged criminal acts are properly dealt with," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"While there are obvious limits in what we can say while the matter is under investigation, taxpayers should rest assured that, as a government, we are doing everything we can to protect their interests and recover their dollars."

In addition to assisting with the police investigation, Mr. Barnet said his department will engage for an independent audit of expenditure practices to ensure better controls are in place to prevent inappropriate activities.