Sewerage commission asked to explain AG report

Dieppe city councillors are calling for the Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission to appear at a public meeting to defend its spending, that was the focus of an auditor general's report.

Councillors say they want to hear from the commissionby Nov. 7.

Auditor General Kim MacPhersonissued a scathing reportlast week that highlighted concerns over the Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission's finances, including excessive travel and financial mismanagement, as well as a lack of oversight and accountability.

In particular, Ron LeBlanc, the commission's long-time chairman, was questioned for his office expenses, his BlackBerry bill that averaged $550 a month and the appropriateness of almost $90,000 worth of foreign travel by commission members within a three-year window.

City councillors in Dieppe says they have received several calls from the public. "They want answers. To them it's unacceptable tohave such expenses," said Coun. Dave Maltais.

Council wantsthe commission to justify its spending, he said, adding that councilis not accusing members of any wrongdoing or judging them.

The city used to have a volunteer on the board, but that person resigned about two months ago, raising the issue about how the board was run.

The Opposition Liberals are calling for a public inquiry and for the commission chair to be immediately removed from his position.

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaneysaid she's willing to look at changes to the way wastewater commissions are run, but she is not prepared to fire anyone.

The Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission's chair Ron LeBlanc, who was appointed in 1983, said he plans to stay at the commission as its chair.

But LeBlanc did suggest that he might step down on his own in the near future, saying there are other things he wants to do.

LeBlanc has also said in an interview that he believes he's being attacked because his board refused to allow the former Shawn Graham government to make patronage appointments to the commission.