Gentner calls for answers on alleged fraud

http://bcndpcaucus.ca/en/gentner_calls_for_answers_on_alleged_fraud
http://bcndpcaucus.ca/files/lettergentnerfalcon.pdf

VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Guy Gentner is asking Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon for more details on a number of eyebrow-raising purchases that showed up on government credit card bills that the minister said were related to credit card fraud. “The minister claims that these inappropriate purchases were Guy Gentner a result of credit card fraud. Fraud is a serious matter but the minister has refused to go into anymore detail regarding these suspicious purchases,” said Gentner, the MLA for Delta - North

Some of these purchases made last year on government credit cards included $300 at Honey Gifts Inc. which specializes in adult sex toys, lubricants and lingerie; $191 to J Date online dating services; and $295.92 at Laska Maria Entertainment, which offers sex toy parties. “I asked the minister in question period and again in estimates debate this week for more information but he has declined to answer,” Gentner said. “Instead, Mr. Falcon says he will only respond to written questions so I am submitting my questions in writing now – 56 of them to be exact.” “I would like to know how much fraud the ministry has uncovered and how much money was involved. I want to know when the frauds were discovered and whether they were reported to the police. Inappropriate use of tax dollars is a serious matter and the public has a right to know when its money is being abused, even if it is through fraud,” Gentner added.

“There is evidence to show that these practices are widespread. It appears that tax dollars have been misused in other ministries as well,” he said. Gentner, whose search of public accounts figures turned up major government spending on pizza and doughnuts, found two transactions in the Ministry of Forest and Range for a total of $160.08 for American Singles, another online dating service. “Fraudulent or otherwise, there definitely needs to be more oversight. The auditor general should conduct a thorough investigation of all government credit cards to ensure there has not been any more abuse and that proper safeguards are in place, because after all, the taxpayers come first,” said Gentner.
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Don Quixote Note: It will be interesting to see the answers to some of the questions if they are answered. The Provincial government and their agencies such as BCLC are rather reluctant to share information unless they are forced to through FOI requests by individuals or written requests from Municipal Councils etc. Even when you get replies as the Vernon Council got on Monday from our local MLA, the answers are evasive, vague and unresponsive to the real concerns asked about.