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NDP hammer on MLA Oakes over auditor general scandal AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter After firing the auditor general for local government the minister responsible and Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes called the situation “intolerable.” “The lack of performance and this impasse had created an absolutely intolerable situation,” she said. “As a minister, sometimes we have to take action and I’ve taken that action.” Basia Ruta was fired Monday, after two years as the auditor for local government, after critics questioned the performance out of her office. The office was created as a watchdog for local government, intended to examine municipal spending and unnecessary tax increases, it was launched in 2013. Government invested $5.2 million in the last two years on the project. The office had predicted 18 reports in the first year, it released one. “We were told we had another three coming,” NDP critic Selina Robinson said. “But it kept getting delayed, delayed, delayed. In the meantime we have municipalities waiting on their report.” Robinson pointed to Oakes, as the minister responsible, as having neglected her duties. “She did not follow this file,” she said. “It’s a problem.” Since the firing, Ruta has sought legal council, calling the review of her office “unlawful.” “So now we will need our own lawyers,” Robinson said, questioning at what additional costs to taxpayers. “And Minister Oakes is looking to hire another auditor, yet we have seen no value for money in this project.” “We’ve all been strung along on this… taxpayers and communities.”
Ready to ride Kirstin Nichols and her mother Terry provide riding lessons to Canadian veteran Clayton Lepine who served with the Kings Own Calgary Regiment. Clayton is one of five veterans who will accompany Communities for Veterans, The Ride Across Canada’s Paul Nichols on the first leg of his journey across this country. The Ride Across Canada leaves Quesnel March 29 from the Royal Canadian Legion after a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by a parade that winds through the streets of Quesnel. After the festivities, they will load up and head south, with several stops along the highway, where the official launch takes place in Victoria, April 13. Karen Powell photo
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