March 14, 2006
Family Services and Housing Minister Christine
Melnick today accepted the recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General
in its report entitled Aiyawin Corporation: The Consequences of Mismanagement in a Shared
Responsibility Framework.
“I would like to thank the auditor general
for his work and for accepting our request that his office investigate the
Aiyawin Corporation, an urban housing agency, whose clientele included 219
Aboriginal families totalling over 600 people,” said Melnick. “I agree with him that it is completely
unacceptable that Aiyawin, whose services have already been transferred to
another agency, violated operating agreements and conflict of interest policy,
and continually ignored requests for clarification or explanation of
operational and financial concerns raised by the Manitoba Housing and Renewal
Corporation.”
The houses were transferred in October 2005
to Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Housing Authority Inc. (DOTCHAI), which offers
a wide array of housing and support programs, as well as experienced and
professional staff.
“Despite our efforts, which included
appointing a professional property manager to oversee the daily operations, the
Aiyawin board and management refused to co-operate and further action became
necessary,” said Melnick. “The
transition has gone smoothly and none of the over 200 families were displaced. We believe DOTCHAI has the expertise and
experience to provide stable management. Our priority and primary concern is to ensure
the well-being of the families to ensure they receive quality housing.”
Since concerns
were first raised with the operation, Melnick said the government has
implemented the following actions:
·
Hired seven new staff to assist with implementing
all of the recommendations related to the Manitoba Housing and Renewal
Corporation and implemented a regular inspection program.
·
Established a comprehensive monitoring plan and a
new template for future operating agreements. New operating agreements provide strict terms
for financial reporting, conditions and obligations, set terms of tendering
work and conflict-of-interest protocols.
·
Made all funding to DOTCHAI for management of the
former Aiyawin housing portfolio subject to a new operating agreement. Such agreements have been identified by the
auditor as being key to holding external agencies accountable.
·
Increased the number of operational reviews to be
completed each year.
·
Taken every opportunity to revise current operating
agreements.
·
Adopted a process to follow up on allegations or
complaints.
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