John Howard Society meets with N.W.T. justice department after fraudster resigns
Alex Brockman | CBC News | Posted: November 29, 2016 3:33 PM | Last Updated: November 29, 2016
Yellowknife chapter tries to return to normal, but some still have concerns
The John Howard Society of the Northwest Territories says it's working with the justice department to get back on track after losing two members in two weeks.
Meda Shannahan resigned from the society's board of directors Nov. 25 after pleading guilty to fraud of more than $5,000. That resignation came just a week after the board fired executive director Lydia Bardak.
- Guilty fraudster resigns from John Howard Society's board
- 'I was stunned': Yellowknife reacts to sudden firing of John Howard Society director
The local John Howard Society is part of a network of 65 offices across Canada whose mission is to provide various kinds of rehabilitative and reintegrative services to people who have come into contact with the criminal justice system.
On Monday, Brad Carlson, chair of the local chapter told CBC News it was taking steps to get back to normal.
Those steps included appointing three new board members at a special meeting on Sunday and beginning a search for a new executive director.
"We've had a good meeting with the Department of Justice," Carlson said.
Carlson said service disruptions would be kept to a minimum and services should be available for those who need them.
But a meeting of the Yellowknife Community Justice Committee, which deals with people diverted away from the traditional court system, scheduled for Wednesday is likely to be cancelled. That doesn't sit well with Lynn Brooks, a member of the committee.
She said she's not satisfied with how the society handled Bardak's firing and the subsequent steps taken by the society.
"I have a hearing — or I'm supposed to have a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. I'm going to go and see if it's locked up or if anything has happened," Brooks said.
"After that I'm going to contact the funders [of the John Howard Society] and ask them, 'What are you doing?'"