Police investigation -Centre ordered to re-pay loans

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The Nistawoyou Friendship Centre has been ordered to recover thousands of dollars loaned to directors and members of the organization and is embroiled in an RCMP investigation over "misappropriation of funds."

The Fort McMurray centre has already been removed from the United Way member list for "ongoing non-compliance of United Way financial and management practices," explained its executive director Beth Vandervoort. Management has also been ordered to refund $14,727 to the Alberta Gaming Commission as "these were outstanding loans to directors and members," said research officer, Jose Villa-Arce.

The centre is also experiencing internal dissention as treasurer Jim Rogers resigned his position July 29 and was swiftly followed by board members Lenore Mulawka, Trudy Cockerill and Peter Ladouceur.

Loans of between $1,000 and $3,000 were made, says Rogers and "advances in pay to the tune of $8,000 or so" were also given.

An RCMP investigation into the allegations is currently underway, says spokesperson Constable Geoff Elliott. A complaint of "misappropriating funds" was filed Aug. 4.

The Alberta Gaming Control Branch licences the centre's bingo and pull tickets. Howeve,r the use of the proceeds did not meet with Gaming Commission approval, according to research officer, Villa-Arce.

In addition to the $14,727 in outstanding loans "$3,904.37 covering a New Year's ball . . . and the balance of outstanding grants from PEP, STEP and SEED programs . . . and revenue received from the sale of a truck" must be returned to the commission.

Secretary of State spokesman Marc Arnal says his department, which funds the centre, is concerned.

"We'll ensure that we do whatever's necessary to ensure that public funds are not being used for purposes for which they were not intended," said Arnal.

Contacted in Fort McMurray, Nistawoyou president Adles Tremblay said the board had called him and told him "not to say anything." However, Tremblay added Rogers had been asked to step down as treasurer.

Rogers, however, claims he was impeached for "daring to open" his mouth and that one of the people who "abused" funds had asked he be removed from his position.

Meanwhile, Tremblay says the problems stem from the previous executive as his executive only came into power May 28.

The centre will hold another board meeting on Aug. 29 in the hope that these issues will be properly addressed, said Tremblay.