Auditor General Ken Hughes tabled the annual Report on the Fraud and Waste Hotline and three other reports at today’s Audit Committee. The City’s management team agreed with all 10 recommendations made in the reports and is taking action to implement them.
Cases that were reported to the City’s Fraud and Waste Hotline in 2016 resulted in a range of management actions, from verbal warnings and suspensions to termination.
“Our organization is no different than any other. The results confirm that we have a mechanism in place to ensure thorough investigation of reports received through the Fraud and Waste Hotline, and we have measures in place to take appropriate disciplinary action when required,” said City Manager Steve Kanellakos. “We will continue to work with the Auditor General’s Office to improve the processes that support the services and programs we offer to ensure that the organization is responsive to citizens and City Council.”
The results of the All-Staff Survey conducted in 2015 suggested that the ethical climate at the City is quite strong. In addition to the Fraud and Waste Hotline and related policies and procedures, the City has a number of components that support its Ethics Management Framework, including the addition of a dedicated ethics resource in the City Clerk and Solicitor’s Office.
An investigation into the Giver 150 project at Mooney’s Bay Park found the City did not breach any relevant by-laws, policies or procedures. The report also identified ways the City could strengthen transparency and accountability for future partnerships.
An investigation into cash handling at Client Service Centres concluded with a number of recommendations for improving deposit-handling procedures and security arrangements at the Client Service Centres. In the end, there was no loss of public funds as the bank credited the City.
In addition to the investigations, an audit of planning and change management, in preparation for the operation of the Confederation Line light rail system, found strong performance by the City. The Auditor General did not identify any high-risk areas or gaps in planning and change management, as OC Transpo moves toward a multi-modal transit system.
The City’s Audit Committee, chaired by Councillor Allan Hubley, received all four reports today. The reports will be considered by City Council at its meeting on Wednesday, June 28, 2017.
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