Mayor and Staff Release Information on Esquimalt Fire Department Audit

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Mayor Barb Desjardins and Township staff have released information on a third party audit of the Esquimalt Fire Department. The audit, focusing on organization, culture and processes within the department, was undertaken by Ted Hughes, B.C.’s former Conflict of Interest Commissioner.

The Township made the decision to conduct the audit in June of this year to look at the department’s organizational structure, culture, leadership, processes for decision making, fiscal responsibility, organizational health and communication.

“It is clear that this audit was important to do and will give us the tools to move forward,” said Mayor Desjardins. “It has revealed a very difficult working environment for all involved, both union and management. It is important to note, however, that our fire department has maintained its operational professionalism throughout these challenging times. As Mayor, I am committed to improving the working environment described in the audit.”

Mr. Hughes conducted his audit from the period July 6, 2009 to November 30, 2009, holding one-to-one discussions with 41 individuals, including IAFF Local 4264 members, Township staff (CAO and HR Manager), the Chief and Deputy Chief of the Fire Department, Esquimalt Mayor and Council, and others.

Council is currently deliberating on this audit and no decisions will be made on implementation of its recommendations until full consideration and discussion has been completed.

The audit is available for download here.

A backgrounder on the audit is available here.

For more information, please contact:
Mayor Barb Desjardins, Township of Esquimalt
Tel: 250-414-7101