Nova Scotia premier says police investigating theft from his riding association fund

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says police are investigating the theft of an undisclosed amount of money from his riding association’s bank account.

Houston disclosed the investigation Wednesday to reporters at the Progressive Conservative party’s office in downtown Halifax.

He said he learned that money had gone missing from the Pictou East Progressive Conservative riding association on Monday and immediately reported the incident to police in New Glasgow, N.S.

“On Monday evening we learned that funds had been taken from the local riding association bank account without authorization,” Houston told reporters. “I’ve been asked by law enforcement to limit the amount of public discussion about the details in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.”

However, Houston added that he thought it was important to publicly disclose the “developing situation.”

“I can’t even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal I feel, and my riding executive feels about this matter,” he said.

A spokesman for the New Glasgow Regional Police would not discuss any details about the case on Wednesday, but confirmed that police received a report of fraud on Monday.

“I can confirm that we are in the preliminary stages of the investigation. Our major crime unit has been assigned and is conducting an investigation,” said Const. Ken MacDonald.

The premier said he didn’t know exactly how much money was taken, but he added that the amount is probably in the thousands of dollars. Houston said Elections Nova Scotia had been notified and the riding association is working closely with a local bank to determine what happened.

He said a volunteer he has known for many years has been dismissed from the association and the party.

“The investigation must run its course,” Houston said. “We want the truth, we want accountability and we want answers … and we are working closely with the police on this matter.”

Earlier this year, Houston had been quite critical of how the Opposition Liberals handled a case in which thousands of dollars in public funds were misused by a former employee of that party. The premier said Wednesday that “bad things happen,” but noted the difference in his case is that he went to police as soon as he knew money was missing.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill said the lesson of the premier’s disclosure is that “these things can happen to anybody.” He said the two cases illustrate the need for parties to ensure that appropriate protection and accountability measures are in place around finances.

“The more transparency and accountability we have with campaign and party financing at the local level, the better,” Churchill said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2024.

Keith Doucette, The Canadian Press