As a forensic audit on a scandal of gift cards in the city of Richmond, examines the last decade, and the RCMP says that their own investigation is “active and in progress”, the city’s administrative director is trying to control damage.
Some believe that it goes too far.
The city has confirmed that $ 295,000 in gift cards it had bought in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are not counted.
The scandal was exposed after Global News interviewed the Reports and examined nearly 500 pages of documents obtained under the laws on freedom of information.
Despite the current investigations, Cao Serena Lusk sent an email to that of the staff saying that “this case seems to be an isolated incident today”.
Get national news
For news that has an impact on Canada and worldwide, register for the safeguarding of news alerts that are delivered to you directly when they occur.
“I think the interference in this is just blurring the waters, and it is not good for anyone,” said Richmond municipal councilor, Carol Day, Global News.
“Better everyone to stick to your opinions, let the police ask, let the listeners ask their questions and see what comes from it.”
Lusk has also told staff in his email: “We are all responsible for identifying and advancing serious concerns about everything you see or hear from the workplace.”
It should be noted that the only person who has been dismissed worked in the CAO Serena Lusk office.
The licensed employee sent many dubious emails, which were contained in the faith response.
Among them, “We have to order more. We need 75 barrels from the value of $ 50, bonuses at the top. We also need 50 white points as soon as possible $ 50 of value, bonus at the top. ”
Another email said, “I know we just ordered, but I think we need a different name of WS cards. Can you order $ 60x 100 cards excluding bonuses. Optically, I think it looks better if each restaurant card is in the same amount. ”
Former Vancouver city councilor, George Affleck, has also weighed on the internal email.
“I thought it was too much information. It was too transparent in an ironic way because they are going through a process right now. ”
In an answer by email to questions from Global News, Richmond Cao Serena Lusk said: “We do not assume a result.”
“It is important that people have all the facts when they are known, and I will try to make myself available when it is appropriate to do so,” she added.
She refused an interview.
& Copy 2025 Global News, A Division of Corus Entertainment Inc.