Capital Pride discovers ‘accounting irregularities’
Posted Sep 4, 2014 04:04:38 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA — Capital Pride is in some financial hot water, as at least five of its suppliers say their cheques have bounced.
In a written statement, Pride organizers say they found what they call, “financial irregularities,” after this year’s festival and that a police investigation may be pending.
Suppliers say their deposit cheques have bounced, and attempts to collect their unpaid bills — totalling thousands of dollars — have gotten the runaround.
“I spoke with the treasurer (on Aug. 24) and she asked me if we could meet the next day,” said Guillaume Tasse, who provided festival infrastructure like tents and chairs. “When I showed up the next day, she never did.”
Tasse says he was later told that the event’s treasurer was in the hospital, but says Capital Pride’s board has since cut off contact.
“I got a call from someone on the board, telling me that they are no longer able to talk to me,” Tasse said, adding that no explanation for ending contact was given.
Tasse says he’s owed more than $42,000, and that a deposit cheque for $10,000 bounced. He tells 1310News, he’s not alone.
“(There are) four other suppliers that haven’t gotten paid as well,” Tasse said.
A spokesperson would not confirm whether Ottawa Police has been contacted by Pride organizers to look into the financial situation, or whether an investigation will be launched.
