While a forensic audit delves into a gift card scandal at the City of Richmond over the past decade, the RCMP indicates their investigation is still active. The city’s chief administrative officer is now working on managing the situation.
Some argue that the response is excessive.
The city has acknowledged that $295,000 worth of gift cards purchased in 2022, 2023, and 2024 cannot be tracked.
The scandal came to light following Global News’ interviews with whistleblowers and scrutiny of nearly 500 pages of documents obtained through freedom of information requests.
Despite the ongoing investigations, CAO Serena Lusk reassured staff via email that “this incident seems isolated for now.”
“Interfering in this matter only complicates things, which is detrimental to everyone,” remarked Richmond City Councillor Carol Day to Global News.
“It’s better for everyone to refrain from expressing opinions, let the police and auditors conduct their inquiries, and wait for the outcomes,” she added.
In her email, Lusk also emphasized that “it’s everyone’s duty to report any serious concerns observed or heard in the workplace.”
It’s worth noting that the terminated employee was part of CAO Serena Lusk’s office.
The dismissed employee sent several questionable emails, as revealed in the FOI documents.
One of the emails mentioned, “We need more orders. We need 75 kegs asap, valued at $50, with bonuses on top. Also, we urgently need 50 white spots valued at $50, with bonuses.” Another email requested, “I think we need a different denomination of WS cards. Can you order 60x $100 cards excluding bonuses? It’s better visually if each restaurant card has the same value.”
Former Vancouver city councillor George Affleck also commented on the internal email.
“I found it too detailed. It was oddly transparent considering the ongoing process,” he remarked.
Responding to Global News inquiries via email, Richmond CAO Serena Lusk mentioned, “We are not assuming any specific outcome.”
“It’s crucial for people to have all the facts once available, and I will make myself accessible when appropriate,” she further added.
She declined a direct interview.
