Police investigating missing funds from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s riding association
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said he was notified on Monday evening that funds had been allegedly stolen from the Pictou East Riding Association. Houston has represented the Pictou East Riding as an MLA since 2013.
Houston said the exact amount of the missing funds is “unknown at this time” but he notified New Glasgow Police of the incident and confirmed there was an investigation underway.
Houston held a press conference Wednesday to announce the investigation into the missing funds. He said money from the riding association’s bank account was withdrawn without authorization.
“Immediately on Monday the matter was reported and the individual to the local police,” said Houston.
“I can’t even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal that I feel and that my riding executive feels about this matter. I have a wide range of emotions as you can imagine,” said Houston.
“Of course I’m angry. I’m sad, I’m hurt but most of all I’m just really devastated for the volunteers for the association who works [sic] so hard on behalf of the association on behalf of myself the party.”
Elections Nova Scotia was notified of the missing funds on Tuesday. A notice was sent out to party members Wednesday to notify them of the investigation.
Houston said police urged him to limit the amount of information he provided the media to protect the investigation.
“We want the truth and we want accountability and we want answers to the questions,” said Houston. "The investigation must run its course."
Houston stressed the party is seeking truth and accountability but wouldn’t give a dollar figure except to say that it was in the thousands.
“This is someone that’s been known to me for a long time,” said Houston.
Houston said it's a small group of volunteers in the riding association that would have access to the bank account.
New Glasgow Regional Police confirmed Monday that they received reports that money has gone missing from the Pictou East Riding Association.
Police said they have referred the case to their major crimes unit who are conducting a fraud investigation.
“They are only in the early and preliminary stages of the investigation at the point in time, with officers gathering information and evidence,” said Const. Ken MacDonald, public information officer with New Glasgow Regional Police.
No arrests have been made at this time.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Feds move to end port strikes, order binding arbitration
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says he is intervening to end the work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal.
Canadian Union of Postal Workers issues 72-hour strike notice to Canada Post
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has given a 72-hour strike notice to Canada Post.
'He begged me': Brampton, Ont. woman loses more than $200K to romance scam
A Brampton woman says she is devastated after she lost more than $200,000 — her life's savings — to a romance scam.
Driver rams his car into crowd in China, killing 35. Police say he was upset about his divorce
A man who authorities said was upset over his divorce settlement rammed his car into a crowd of people exercising at a sports complex in southern China, killing 35 and severely injuring dozens of others, police said Tuesday.
Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments
A new Louisiana law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom by Jan. 1 has been temporarily blocked after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction on Tuesday.
Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly
The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service.
Church of England head Justin Welby resigns over handling of sex abuse scandal
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the global Anglican Communion, resigned Tuesday after an investigation found that he failed to tell police about serial physical and sexual abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps as soon as he became aware of it.
Trump picks Kristi Noem to serve as his Homeland Security secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as his next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, according to two people familiar with the selection.
Northern Ontario teen recovering in hospital after being attacked; ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.