Three senior executives on the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) Board have been dismissed after an anonymous tip led to an audit of their expenses.

The examination revealed a significant violation of the AFSC's procurement policy and has led to the immediate dismissal of the three executives.

Oneil Carlier, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, said the results of the examination are upsetting.

"Between January 2013 and December 2015, the three senior executives incurred aircraft and hotel costs in excess of $170,000. Some of the trips included significant portions of time spent on activities such as golf and entertainment."

The three senior executives "significantly violated" the AFSC's procurement policy by accepting gifts, alcohol, paid entertainment (including theatre, concert, and sporting event tickets), rounds of golf and meals from the Broker.

Ed Knash, Vice President of the Agriculture Centre of Expertise with ATB Financial, has been appointed the new interim CEO of the AFSC.

Bev Yee has been appointed the new interim Board of Directors.

"I am troubled by these findings. They point to a culture of entitlement. A culture of entitlement that will not be tolerated by this government," said Carlier.

According to Carlier, the new interim Board will begin working on the auditors recommendations before appointing a new, permanent Board.

The information uncovered by the examination has since been handed over to law enforcement to determine if further action will be taken.

 

VP, Agriculture Centre of Expertise

Ed Knash