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Still don’t understand CMHA expenses

Why did the wages and benefits total expense increase by $856,216 in 2019 from 2017?
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Still don’t understand CMHA expenses

Anne Brunet is quoted as saying, that the CMHA “it is not a government agency, private business, or a public body.”

If so, then why does their revenue come from B.C. Ministry of Health, Ministry of Child and Family Development, Provincial Health Services Authority, B.C. Housing, and other grants? She also mentions that they do not operate a needle exchange, yet on the website, “Overdose Prevention Site-Duncan” it clearly mentions that the needle exchange services include distribution of clean needles, sterile water, and alcohol wipes.

According to the website, “Our Staff, CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch” there are 29 employees listed. Total wages and benefits paid out in 2019 was $2,467,147.

Anne is quoted saying, “Existing staff did not receive pay raises, and, in the last five years, most employees have not received more than one per cent bump in this time frame.”

Then I ask, Anne, why did the wages and benefits total expense increase by $856,216 in 2019 from 2017?

To me, this is a red flag and should have been questioned by the auditors, Palmer-Leslie.

In summary, payroll costs will have to be now examined by Cabinet Ministers Adrian Dix, Judy Darcy, Selina Robinson, and Katrine Conroy as their government ministries are supplying the funding for the Duncan CMHA in order to operate. Also pay raises will have to cease being approved locally and to be approved only by these four cabinet ministers. Unbelievable!

Joe Sawchuk

Duncan