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Metro Vancouver Councillors Push for Renewed Oversight Amid RCMP Investigation

Councillors call on B.C. to reinstate or expand municipal financial oversight as Richmond RCMP investigates $400,000 city hall gift-card program.

Richmond councillor and former B.C. MLA Kash Heed in a file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Overview

  • Four Metro Vancouver councillors have launched an online petition and open letter urging the B.C. government to strengthen oversight of municipal spending.
  • The petition highlights systemic governance gaps since the 2019 abolition of the Municipal Auditor General’s office, citing inconsistent fiscal accountability.
  • Richmond RCMP has confirmed an active investigation into allegations of misuse in a $400,000 city hall gift-card program over three years.
  • The councillors also criticized questionable expenditures at the Metro Vancouver Regional District, including lavish travel and sponsorships, as well as cost overruns on infrastructure projects like the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  • Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon has expressed commitment to transparency but stated that no new oversight body is being considered at this time.