Press Release: Atira launches own review into issues raised in Ernst & Young Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 12, 2023

Vancouver, B.C. | Unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations |

Having now had an opportunity to review, consider and discuss the E&Y Report released earlier this week, the Board of Directors of Atira Women’s Resource Society has established a Task Force that will oversee a comprehensive third-party review of Atira’s policies and practices, including how it makes decisions on real estate matters and deals with potential conflicts of interest. The task force will be comprised of Atira’s Board Chair and the Chairs of the Finance and Governance Committees, and discussions are underway toward the appointment of the independent review team.

The decision to conduct an independent review follows the other steps Atira has taken to date, including:

Advising BC Housing that Atira takes the E&Y Report with the utmost seriousness and welcomes the opportunity to discuss government’s related recommendations, including potentially having a representative from the provincial government on Atira’s Board as an observer.
Having returned $1,908,172.00 in surplus funds for fiscal years 2020 and 2021, which occurred yesterday following receipt of the financial information Atira’s staff had requested from BC Housing, in line with established financial practices;

At this time, and as it has been throughout, our focus as a Board is on Atira – its staff and the vulnerable populations it has served with its programs and services over many decades. We will continue to approach through this incredibly challenging period with careful consideration and inclusive discussion among our Board members and advisors.

“Atira does critical work each day to protect women and children affected by violence by offering supportive housing and delivering education and advocacy aimed at ending all forms of gendered violence. We are dedicated to maintaining that support,” Board Chair Elva Kim said. “This independent review, in addition to the BC Housing investigation, will help ensure we can continue to do the work that serves this community.”

Atira operates 2,969 units of housing for women, children, and all gender individuals in the Lower Mainland. More information is available on our website here: atira.bc.ca

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