‘Entrenched culture’: TNRD CFO seeking reinstatement after complaint alleging obstruction and intimidation

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“The TNRD took no steps at all to isolate either the complainant or Ms. Fox despite Ms. Fox’s repeated requests for some form of support or protection from this negative environment, which was causing her psychological harm.”

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Fox also alleged she has been criticized within the TNRD for not being a team player and for not “rubber-stamping financial matters.” 

“Generally, and most pervasive, is an entrenched culture within the administration and staff of the TNRD that individual department heads should be free to deal with financial matters as they see fit, with no controls and without having to consult with Ms. Fox or the finance department,” the petition said. 

“This conduct on the part of the TNRD is part of a sustained campaign to intimidate Ms. Fox and prevent her from exercising the financial oversight that her role requires of her, because her financial oversight and the accountability she promoted prevented administration and staff from acting however they wanted.” 

The petition lists alleged incidents when Fox was criticized or disciplined when she attempted to enforce financial controls or accountability. It includes a solid waste disposal services contract being negotiated with a new provider without Fox’s involvement; a fire protection service change against her recommendations, which resulted in a “large tax increase;” and the TNRD’s utilities department creating an asset strategy that was not connected to the long-term asset management plan without consulting her.

The petition also alleges the TNRD may justify Fox’s removal as an extended medical leave, which she did require, and was granted in the spring. However, Fox says she was medically cleared to return to work on April 1, adding the TNRD has not brought her back. 

“The TNRD, at this time, continues to work without a designated [CFO] with appropriate credentials, calling into question the financial oversight at TNRD,” the petition added. 

The TNRD promoted Fox as its CFO in November 2022 after she was initially hired as its deputy director of finance a few months prior. Fox alleges she was brought in to rebuild the TNRD’s finance department “in direct response” to a full audit that outlined years of inappropriate spending by Sukh Gill, the regional district’s former chief administrative officer. 

“Unfortunately, Ms. Fox is left with no choice but to take legal action to seek a court order ending the TNRD’s interference or obstruction with her powers, duties or function, and return her to work so that she may fulfill her statutory mandate, including proper financial oversight of the TNRD and providing financial accountability to residents of the TNRD,” the petition added.

Fox’s allegations have not been tested or proven in court. 

“The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has not been served with any court filings by or in relation to its chief financial officer, Ms. Carla Fox,” board chair Barbara Roden told CFJC in a statement.

“Assuming that there is, in fact, a matter which is before the courts, the TNRD will respond by way of court filings, not through the media.”