CEO of B.C. non-profit housing provider steps down following damning review
Janice Abbott, the CEO of British Columbia housing operator Atira Women's Resource Society, is stepping down.
Monday's announcement of Abbott's resignation comes after an audit released last week that found that Shayne Ramsay – Abbott's husband and the former CEO of BC Housing – had breached conflict of interest rules when it came to Atira.
A statement from the board of Atira said Abbott's resignation is effective immediately and thanked her for her 31 years of leadership.
"The focus for the board now is working collaboratively with the B.C. government and BC Housing, and restoring the public’s confidence in Atira’s integrity, vision, mission, purpose and values," the statement from board chair Elva Kim said.
"The board and staff at Atira are deeply committed to serving and protecting women and children and providing much-needed housing. We are confident that this path forward will allow us to focus on the essential work with fewer distractions," it continued.
Abbott has not spoken publicly since the report was released. She has not issued any statements or responded to requests for an interview.
At an unrelated news conference, Premier David Eby responded to the resignation. He pointed out BC housing asked for several things, like a financial audit, operational review and new leadership.
“We have to ensure that the public has confidence about where every dollar went, that the buildings are running as effectively as possible and that we're moving in a good direction before we can talk about any expansion of programs or Atira be eligible to bid on new contracts available through BC Housing,” added Eby.
The premier said KPMG would conduct the financial audit, and the inspections of Atira buildings had begun, though Eby didn’t have an update on any findings.
Atira’s board is cooperating with the province, a different tone than last week when they stood by the CEO and refused to fire her, despite pressure from the province and BC Housing.
The forensic review of BC Housing found that Ramsay had breached conflict of interest rules two dozen times, deleted text messages, and that meeting minutes had been altered after the fact to omit opposition.
Ramsay stepped down as CEO last year.
In 2016, Atira received $17 million from the province. In 2022, it received $74 million – $35 million more than the second-most funded provider, the review said, adding that it had identified serious concerns about the "rigour" and "diligence" exercised at BC Housing.
Funding to Atira has been frozen in the wake of the damning report and the province has said it will review the non-profit's books and inspect its buildings. The organization has also returned nearly $2 million in surplus funds to the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bathroom break nearly derails $22 million project at city council meeting
A brief break during Wednesday's city council meeting in Saskatoon nearly cost the city dearly.
Do this once a month and extend your life by up to 10 years. No gym required
Research shows that art experiences, whether as a maker or a beholder, transform our biology by rewiring our brains and triggering the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
Mackenzie Hughes 'gutted' after falling short at RBC Canadian Open
Mackenzie Hughes had the dream scenario of winning the RBC Canadian Open in his hometown within reach but then it all slipped away.
Motorcycle doing wheelies, weaving in, out of traffic caught on Highway 417
A motorcycle driver is facing charges after being caught on Highway 417 doing wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says.
Oilers advance to Stanley Cup final by beating Stars in Game 6
The Edmonton Oilers rode their special teams and goaltender to victory on Sunday, beating the Dallas Stars 2-1 to win the National Hockey League's Western Conference and earn a berth in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers.
'Rotten rock': Climate change altering the face of Canadian mountaineering
The Abbot Pass hut stood for decades in a rugged saddle between two iconic peaks, overlooking the limpid turquoise of Banff National Park's Lake Louise — a destination for alpinists from around the world until the ground melted beneath it and forced its closure.
North Korea says it will stop sending trash balloons as South Korea vows strong retaliation
South Korea said Sunday it’ll soon take retaliatory steps against North Korea over its launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border and other provocations.
'The legacy I want to leave:' Mother with Stage 4 cancer advocates for survivors
People around the world are observing National Cancer Survivor Day, an annual celebration held to honour patients who have been through the often difficult and traumatic experience of living with cancer.
Driver missing after vehicle plunges into the Riviere-des-Prairies between Montreal and Laval
Emergency response crews are on the scene Sunday morning after a vehicle plunged into the Riviere des Prairies in Montreal.