Auditor General Tables Two Reports Related to an Investigation of Manotick Business Improvement Area Expenses

Ottawa – Today, Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon tabled two reports stemming from an investigation of the Manotick Business Improvement Area:

• Investigation of Manotick Business Improvement Area Expenses; and 
• Investigation of Manotick Business Improvement Area Expenses – Role of the City of Ottawa 

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) conducted an investigation into allegations of potential inappropriate expenses incurred by the Manotick Business Improvement Area (MBIA) that were raised through the City of Ottawa's Fraud and Waste Hotline Program. The investigation identified a need for the MBIA to strengthen controls over the approval and reimbursement of expenses and petty cash. The investigation highlighted several instances where expenses lacked sufficient and appropriate documentation to confirm that the expenses incurred were reasonable and related to MBIA business. The investigation also identified expenditures that the Auditor General has classified as inappropriate. 

“While the MBIA Board is independent and responsible for managing the affairs of its Business Improvement Area (BIA), through our investigation we also identified areas where the City can play a greater role in supporting BIAs and enabling strengthened expenditure management and governance”, said Mme Gougeon.

The reports included four recommendations to the MBIA Board and three recommendations to the City. All recommendations were agreed to.

Full copies of these reports are available on the Auditor General’s website at www.oagottawa.ca.

For more information:
613 580- 9602
OAG@ottawa.ca