Sask. ministry says it's been monitoring Lighthouse's financial situation 'very closely'
The Ministry of Social Services has been monitoring Lighthouse Supported Living "very closely for some time" since members of the Lighthouse board informed the ministry of their concerns last summer, according to a ministry spokesperson.
"The ministry is continuing to work directly with Lighthouse, as we do with all community-based service providers, to ensure services provided under contract with the ministry to vulnerable clients continue, and that those services continue to meet the requirements of the contract," Leya Moore said in an email to CTV News.
The ministry's response comes after the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal lifted a publication ban on a court-ordered investigation into the Lighthouse's finances, largely centred on executive director and board member Don Windels.
The investigation was sought by three Lighthouse board members after they became concerned by transactions uncovered during an internal audit.
The MNP report outlines how, according to Windels' own admission to investigators, a series of loans were issued by the Lighthouse to his family's corporation between 2008 and 2013 that added up to $287,000.
Although Windels is on leave, he remains the organization's executive director until the Court of Appeal decides whether Justice David Gerecke's decision last year to remove him will stand.
"As the case is before the courts, the Ministry of Social Services cannot comment on the specifics of the case," Moore said in her statement.
The ministry maintains six-month contracts with the Lighthouse to provide services and supports to people in Saskatoon and area totalling $1.04 million, Moore said. The Lighthouse also receives additional funding from other sources, she said.
The Lighthouse also receives about $2 million each year from the Saskatchewan Health Authority to provide health services including mental health and addictions services, according to the health ministry.
SASKATOON MAYOR WANTS 'ACCOUNTABILITY'
“The details that are coming out in the media today are concerning," Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said in a statement.
"The Lighthouse provides very important services to a vulnerable population in our community. We are seeing an escalating crisis of mental health, addictions and homelessness within this vulnerable population and it is in the best interests of everyone involved and the community to ensure that a solid system of governance and accountability be established for this organization.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.