Critic for Municipal Affairs Tony Luck says the provincial government needs to reinstate the position of Auditor General for Local Government amidst turmoil in Metro Vancouver.
Luck said the municipal government’s top three executives are either terminated, on leave, for facing possible suspension.
He said now is the time for the NDP government to deliver on its promise for structural reform, as uncertain leadership adds chaos to a government that is struggling with its infrastructure budget.
Over the past year, the price tag for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant has ballooned to $3.86 billion, nearly five times the original projected cost and the project is years behind schedule.
“What’s story is going to hit the sand tomorrow? We’ve had the wastewater treatment plant, we’ve had a bloated council, we’ve had incredible stipends paid to people sitting around the table, and now we have this crisis here going on,” Luck said in an interview with 1130 NewsRadio.
The situation came to a head at an emergency board meeting Dec.12 where board members decided to terminate the contract for the CFO and is considering suspending the CAO.
Recently, the Deputy CAO also went on leave.
Luck said the local government is experiencing unrest at a time when residents are struggling financially, adding he is “afraid” for what comes next.
Chair of the Metro Vancouver Boards of Directors, Mike Hurley, put out a response to the concern Tuesday saying he has full confidence in the CAO’s leadership.
“In the time I have known him, Jerry [CAO] has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and the ability to guide Metro Vancouver through complex challenges while ensuring essential services are delivered without interruption,” Hurley said. “His leadership continues to provide resilience and vision for the organization, and he is supported by a highly skilled leadership team.”
He said Metro Vancouver’s leadership team remains focused on delivering services to the region and providing “strong, transparent financial management.”
“Metro Vancouver continues to provide vital services to over three million residents through storms, floods, fires, and more,” he said. “Although our region and our province are facing a difficult fiscal climate, the organization continues to find innovative, effective, and efficient ways to deliver the critical infrastructure that our region depends on. I am deeply thankful to the dedicated staff of Metro Vancouver and proud of the resilience and commitment they show this region.”
