CBRM council unanimously approves calling in police over former mayor’s credit card use
The Cape Breton Regional Police have been tasked with investigating the expenses of former mayor Amanda McDougall, who accrued $17,000 in personal charges on a Cape Breton Regional Municipality credit card during the last 18 months of her term. This decision was made by councillors after a three-hour closed-door session, during which legal advice was sought regarding the credit card charges.
The unanimous vote to involve the police in the investigation was driven by the need to dispel public perceptions of corruption within the council. Several councillors expressed concern that the actions of one individual had tarnished the reputation of all council members. Coun. Gordon MacDonald lamented the loss of public confidence, while Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald highlighted the impact of the allegations on newly elected councillors.
The initial probe into McDougall’s expenses was initiated in December following the discovery of “irregularities.” The municipality engaged the services of Sydney lawyer Robert Sampson, who enlisted a local accountant to review receipts dating back to March 2023. The investigation revealed $17,000 in personal expenses, including travel, meals, Uber rides, Costco and Home Depot purchases, and a $2,000 dental bill among $76,000 in unreported expenses.
Sampson clarified that while McDougall cooperated with the investigation and repaid the funds, the focus was on verifying the legitimacy of the charges rather than determining potential criminal liability. The former mayor attributed her actions to taking on additional administrative responsibilities when her office manager went on leave to care for a terminally ill relative.
Moving forward, Mayor Cecil Clarke indicated that Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh would likely refer the matter to the RCMP to ensure an impartial investigation into the former mayor’s actions. The Department of Municipal Affairs expressed satisfaction with the progress of the CBRM’s investigation thus far.
As the case unfolds, it is essential to maintain transparency and accountability to uphold the public’s trust in local governance. The involvement of law enforcement underscores the seriousness with which the council addresses allegations of financial impropriety and underscores its commitment to upholding ethical standards in public office.
