Ford government sends financial investigators into Toronto school boards
Financial investigators have been sent in to the Toronto public and Catholic school boards, as well as the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, with two firms hired to handle the detailed budget probes.
'PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has been appointed as the investigator at the Toronto District School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Deloitte LLP has been appointed as the investigator at the Toronto Catholic District School Board,' said Emma Testani, a spokesperson for Education Minister Paul Calandra.
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The Province
8 hours ago
- The Province
Catholic cemetery bookkeeper sued by Vancouver archdiocese for $575,000
Lawsuit filed in B.C. Supreme Court alleges she wrote cheques over nine years while she was in charge of finances for Gardens of Gethsemani in Surrey and St. Peter's Cemetery in New Westminster B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG The bookkeeper for the Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery in Surrey is being sued for the return of $575,000 after her employer discovered years of unauthorized payments, according to a lawsuit filed in B.C. Supreme Court. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver filed a notice of civil claim alleging that Marcia Terlaak wrote cheques to herself totalling at least that amount over the nine years she was operations manager for the largest Catholic cemetery in B.C., which covers 16 hectares in Surrey. Her husband, Dustin Terlaak, is named as co-defendant for his 'full knowledge and participation,' the case alleges. Marcia Terlaak, whose online LinkedIn account as recently as a month ago listed her as Coquitlam's cemetery supervisor, was fired from the Gardens of Gethsemani in July 2021 and received a severance. She had worked there in charge of all finances since 2009. Her role included keeping books for a second Catholic cemetery, St. Peter's in New Westminster, where she had sole signing authority. The lawsuit alleges money is also missing from its accounts. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lawsuit claims that in 2018, three years before she was let go, Terlaak stopped reconciling the bank account for St. Peter's, and in July of that year stopped recording transactions in the St. Peter's bank account. The Roman Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, which operated both cemeteries, alleged that in August 2023 it discovered that between mid-2012 and up to May 2021, Terlaak had issued cheques from the cemetery accounts to herself, to personal credit card accounts in her name, and to other names. And it alleges she also withdrew 'unconventionally large amounts' from petty cash, and that all the unauthorized payments were for the 'personal benefit, gain and profit of herself and/or Dustin Terlaak.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lawsuit alleges her husband's participation included 'receiving, converting, hiding and otherwise benefiting from the funds misappropriated' by her. The lawsuit claims they used the money in 2019 to purchase a Surrey property in Panorama Ridge, selling it, and then buying a White Rock condo on North Bluff Road, where they still live. The four-bedroom, 3,550-sq.-ft. Panorama Ridge property was listed on a realtor's website this week for $1.3 million. The two-bedroom, 1,710-sq.-ft. White Rock condo was purchased for $775,000, according to an online real estate website. The lawsuit said the cemeteries have suffered damages, losses and expenses because of the fraud, including loss of use of the funds and the cost of investigating. They are seeking an order that the Terlaaks pay all the money back to them, plus aggravated and punitive damages. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lawsuit asked the court to place a certificate of pending litigation against the White Rock condo and place all of the couple's other personal property, including proceeds from the sale of the Surrey property, furniture, household items, jewelry, any vehicles and any other real estate into a 'substantive constructive trust.' The Terlaaks 'do not have the ability to personally pay an award of damages equal to the funds' lost by the cemeteries, it said. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Messages left with the Terlaaks were not returned on Tuesday. The cemeteries' lawyer declined to comment. It's not surprising fraud can continue for years at not-for-profits where there are not usually enough employees to ensure separation of duties, such as having the same person responsible for recording, custody and authorizing of funds, said Michael Favere-Marchesi, associate accounting professor at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Favere-Marchesi, commenting previously on a case of an employee being accused of stealing from the City of Surrey and not on the cemeteries lawsuit, said this type of individual-worker fraud is also more common in the public than the private sector, where owners have to answer to shareholders where there are internal control systems. 'When there are weaknesses in those systems, it is not unusual for fraud to happen for long periods of time before they're discovered,' he said. And fraud is easier if one person is responsible for all finances because with two or more people, 'to commit a crime, you would need collusion,' he said. Also, employees who handle finances need to be properly assessed for the 'triangle of fraud' characteristics — that is, did they have motivation, opportunity and rationalization to be able to steal funds, he said. Motivation would include anyone who lived beyond their means, for instance, and should be flagged, he said. slazaruk@ Read More Vancouver Whitecaps Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks NHL News
Vancouver Sun
17 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Catholic cemetery bookkeeper sued by Vancouver archdiocese for $575,000
The bookkeeper for the Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery in Surrey is being sued for the return of $575,000 after her employer discovered years of unauthorized payments, according to a lawsuit filed in B.C. Supreme Court. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver filed a notice of civil claim alleging that Marcia Terlaak wrote cheques to herself totalling at least that amount over the nine years she was operations manager for the largest Catholic cemetery in B.C., which covers 16 hectares in Surrey. Her husband, Dustin Terlaak, is named as co-defendant for his 'full knowledge and participation,' the case alleges. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Marcia Terlaak, whose online LinkedIn account as recently as a month ago listed her as Coquitlam's cemetery supervisor, was fired from the Gardens of Gethsemani in July 2021 and received a severance. She had worked there in charge of all finances since 2009. Her role included keeping books for a second Catholic cemetery, St. Peter's in New Westminster, where she had sole signing authority. The lawsuit alleges money is also missing from its accounts. The lawsuit claims that in 2018, three years before she was let go, Terlaak stopped reconciling the bank account for St. Peter's, and in July of that year stopped recording transactions in the St. Peter's bank account. The Roman Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, which operated both cemeteries, alleged that in August 2023 it discovered that between mid-2012 and up to May 2021, Terlaak had issued cheques from the cemetery accounts to herself, to personal credit card accounts in her name, and to other names. And it alleges she also withdrew 'unconventionally large amounts' from petty cash, and that all the unauthorized payments were for the 'personal benefit, gain and profit of herself and/or Dustin Terlaak.' The lawsuit alleges her husband's participation included 'receiving, converting, hiding and otherwise benefiting from the funds misappropriated' by her. The lawsuit claims they used the money in 2019 to purchase a Surrey property in Panorama Ridge, selling it, and then buying a White Rock condo on North Bluff Road, where they still live. The four-bedroom, 3,550-sq.-ft. Panorama Ridge property was listed on a realtor's website this week for $1.3 million. The two-bedroom, 1,710-sq.-ft. White Rock condo was purchased for $775,000, according to an online real estate website. The lawsuit said the cemeteries have suffered damages, losses and expenses because of the fraud, including loss of use of the funds and the cost of investigating. They are seeking an order that the Terlaaks pay all the money back to them, plus aggravated and punitive damages. The lawsuit asked the court to place a certificate of pending litigation against the White Rock condo and place all of the couple's other personal property, including proceeds from the sale of the Surrey property, furniture, household items, jewelry, any vehicles and any other real estate into a 'substantive constructive trust.' The Terlaaks 'do not have the ability to personally pay an award of damages equal to the funds' lost by the cemeteries, it said. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Messages left with the Terlaaks were not returned on Tuesday. The cemeteries' lawyer declined to comment. It's not surprising fraud can continue for years at not-for-profits where there are not usually enough employees to ensure separation of duties, such as having the same person responsible for recording, custody and authorizing of funds, said Michael Favere-Marchesi, associate accounting professor at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business. Favere-Marchesi, commenting previously on a case of an employee being accused of stealing from the City of Surrey and not on the cemeteries lawsuit, said this type of individual-worker fraud is also more common in the public than the private sector, where owners have to answer to shareholders where there are internal control systems. 'When there are weaknesses in those systems, it is not unusual for fraud to happen for long periods of time before they're discovered,' he said. And fraud is easier if one person is responsible for all finances because with two or more people, 'to commit a crime, you would need collusion,' he said. Also, employees who handle finances need to be properly assessed for the 'triangle of fraud' characteristics — that is, did they have motivation, opportunity and rationalization to be able to steal funds, he said. Motivation would include anyone who lived beyond their means, for instance, and should be flagged, he said. slazaruk@
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Cision Canada
The Ontario Career Lab Reimagines Career Education with Province-Wide Launch Français
Backed by the Government of Ontario and supported by employers across the province, the Ontario Career Lab connects students with industry mentors for future-focused career conversations. BURLINGTON, ON, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - A first-of-its-kind career coaching program is now rolling out in schools across Ontario, connecting students with mentors for real-world career conversations that inspire future readiness. "Our students need to be ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow, and that means making sure they get the right support today," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "Our government has been focused on ensuring that students, parents, and teachers get the resources they need to prepare students for success. It's about working together – the province, teachers, and employers – to make sure every student has a clear path to a good-paying, stable career in Ontario." The Ontario Career Lab, delivered by HIEC and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education, provides consistent, high-impact career coaching to Grade 9 and 10 students across the publicly funded school system. "Ontario's schools are doing incredibly impactful work to prepare students for the future, but they can't be expected to do it alone," said Kelly Hoey, Executive Director, HIEC. "The Ontario Career Lab brings education, community, and industry together in a powerful way, allowing students to explore career pathways by connecting with people who've lived them." The Ministry's forward-thinking approach ensures more Grade 9 and 10 students across the province have access to: Small-group sessions that offer a safe, engaging space for career exploration Exposure to Career Coaches with experience in high-demand economic sectors Labour market insights and community connections that extend learning beyond the classroom Consistent, relevant support for all students, including those in youth justice facilities Through its Career Conversations model, the Ontario Career Lab invites professionals into classrooms to share their career journeys in small, interactive sessions. These conversations are designed to be honest, inclusive, and empowering, offering students a glimpse into what's possible. Since launching, the Ontario Career Lab has: Enabled 130,000+ hours of meaningful career conversations Mobilized thousands of industry volunteers and delivered bilingual, community-tailored programming Focused on connecting students with in-demand industries and future-ready careers "As an organization that's spent more than 35 years helping young people prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, we've seen firsthand how important career development is to their well-being," said Hoey. "It's inspiring to see such strong momentum and shared commitment to career development across the province." Quick Facts Nearly half (47.3%) of students worry they are not prepared for life after compulsory education, a concern linked to poorer employment outcomes and increased anxiety about their future career paths. (Source: OECD, The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation, 2025) 39% of students across OECD countries are classified as career uncertain, according to PISA 2022. This concern is linked to poorer employment outcomes and increased anxiety, potentially hindering students' confidence and readiness for future career paths. (Source: OECD, The State of Global Teenage Career Preparation, 2025) Students who engage in employer-led career guidance activities during school experience lower levels of youth unemployment, higher wages, and greater career satisfaction later in life. (Source: OECD, Meet the Future, 2021) Career conversations have a measurable impact. Students aged 14 to 16 who engage in these interactions are significantly more likely to experience higher life satisfaction and achieve long-term employment success. (Source: OECD, Career Talks with Guest Speakers, 2023) Student Impact Student feedback shows that the Ontario Career Lab is already making a difference for students across the province: 95% of students said Career Conversations helped them think more clearly about future job options and career pathways. 94% reported greater awareness of different careers and local job opportunities. 94% also said they now feel more confident making decisions about their future. These outcomes reflect the power of early, meaningful engagement—and the impact of hearing real stories from real people. "The Ontario Career Lab reflects what's possible when education and industry come together to support student success. By offering meaningful career conversations at a pivotal stage, it helps students explore options, build confidence, and begin planning their futures. CODE is proud to support this scalable, equity-focused model that strengthens local partnerships and enhances pathway planning across the province." , Executive Director, Council of Ontario Directors of Education How to Get Involved The Ontario Career Lab is actively recruiting Career Coaches from all sectors to share their stories and help students explore possibilities. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, your experience matters.
