Files Referred to RCMP

Auditor General Jacques Lapointe announced today, May 18, that files related to expense claims of one current and four former members of the legislative assembly have been referred to the RCMP.

The auditor general handed over the files after a forensic investigation by his office found evidence of possible illegal activity.

"It is not the role of the Office of the Auditor General to determine guilt. Our job in this case was to investigate information we received suggesting possible wrong-doing and, where we found substance, refer the matter to the appropriate legal authorities. That has been done."

The auditor general's February report on MLA expenses claimed between July 2006 and June 2009 concluded that some of the claims were excessive and inappropriate. Following the release of the report, additional information came to his office that made the forensic investigation necessary.

Mr. Lapointe did not name the current or former MLAs whose files had been referred to the police or reveal the nature of any potential illegal activity. He said to do so could interfere with the police investigation.