Ex-aboriginal health boss charged in $1M theft

You know we often wonder why there are no audits and reviews done that would determine accountability for what we believe are issues in the reporting of government funds received by organizations. There are a couple of interesting points in this article the first being that this is an issue that started in 1999 and went on for five years - over two organizations and four years of RCMP investigating before charges were laid. It would be important to remember that this is just allegations at this point which are now 10 years since the start of this. There will still be the cost associated with the trial and justice process that may take up to another 2 plus years before there is guilt attached to the individual that is being charged.

Based on that – when might we see investigation, forensic audits or accountability of what is believed to be misspent tax dollars? Also consider the amount of resources that are spent to try and bring justice to the issue. Could be a very long and expensive wait….

Ex-aboriginal health boss charged in $1M theft

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Canada/2009/02/12/8360571-sun.html

WINNIPEG -- The former head of a Manitoba aboriginal health agency is accused of stealing more than $1 million from the organization as well as from a reserve he once co-managed.

The RCMP say Daryl Joseph Cote, 53, of Winnipeg, is charged with two counts of theft and two counts of fraud.

Police say the charges were laid following a four-year investigation by the Winnipeg RCMP commercial crime section.

The investigation began after a complaint from Health Canada.

Cote is the former CEO of Anishinaabe Mino-Ayaawin Inc. and the one-time co-manager of the Dauphin River First Nation.

RCMP allege Cote stole more than $700,00 from the health agency between 1999 and 2004, and more than $300,000 from the First Nation between 2001 and 2004.

The health agency delivered programs and services to seven Manitoba First Nations.