B.C. housing non-profit provides update after scathing audit finds ‘mismanagement’
Posted October 4, 2023 12:30 pm.
Last Updated October 4, 2023 12:38 pm.
One of B.C.’s largest not-for-profit housing providers is releasing a 100-day update Wednesday after its interim CEO outlined a plan to “build public trust” after a scathing audit found “mismanagement.”
The Atira Women’s Resource Society, which operates more than 3,100 housing and shelter units across Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, says the plan to revitalize the organization laid out by CEO Catherine Roome has been “completed.”
“As someone who comes from outside the social services sector, I am truly inspired by what I have seen in the dedication and deeply thoughtful approach of Atira employees and its leadership,” said Roome in a statement Wednesday.
“Through these months of increased attention, I know we are proud of the progress we have made to reset and renew the organization, and Atira remains committed to delivering Housing to Hope to the most marginalized citizens in BC.”
The update comes after a forensic investigation into BC Housing released in May found mismanagement related to a conflict of interest between the former CEO of BC Housing and his spouse, the then-CEO of the Atira Women’s Resource Society.
The independent investigation identified 20 recommendations to improve oversight, prevent future conflicts of interest, and ensure accountability for public funding to be used to provide housing.
At that time, Premier David Eby said that he expected the rules to be followed.
“There must be strong safeguards in place to preserve the public’s trust,” he said.
In 2021, Eby, who was the housing minister at the time, called for the audit following a damning, independent report from Ernst & Young, which found a number of issues at the Crown corporation, including a lack of oversight when it comes to spending, and its inability to manage risks, among other concerns. It wasn’t known he asked for the audit until November.
Following that report, Eby fired the entire board at BC Housing in July 2022. In September, the CEO, Shayne Ramsay, resigned.
In the 100-day update, Atira says amongst a list of 13 completed commitments, it says it has:
- Introduced a code of conduct into Atira’s existing daily practice policies and procedures, “emphasizing that conflicts of interest would not be tolerated.”
- Introduced a whistleblower line through IntegrityCounts to “foster a speak-up culture.”
- Reviewed all existing operating contracts with BC Housing.
- Reviewed all existing real estate assets, resulting in a decision to list a surplus 1,500 sq ft work/live space for sale. And;
- Included a B.C. government independent representative to attend its board meetings.
“The thought leadership that Atira brings to housing and support services never wavered. While organizational and governance changes were underway, Atira’s employees continued to provide support to women, children, gender-diverse individuals, and mixed-gender tenants across many exceptional and innovative programs,” Atira said.
As part of improving employee health and safety, Atira says it notified BC Housing in August that it is “withdrawing from its operating agreement for The Patricia Hotel.”
“It is owned by BC Housing and is one of several SROs Atira currently operates on behalf of the provincial government. The agreement with BC Housing does not cover all costs, and the building requires structural and mechanical repairs to make it a safe place to live and work,” the non-profit said.
