Following the identification of irregularities in spending by Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore’s office earlier this year, some citizens expressed their dissatisfaction to the city, while a former senior official disagreed with one of Fillmore’s justifications.
In a recent municipal audit, four financial transactions from Fillmore’s office were found to be in breach of Halifax Regional Municipality policy. The city’s auditor general referred these expenses to the police as they exceeded his comfort level, indicating that only law enforcement could determine their legality.
The Nova Scotia RCMP confirmed that their investigation into these expenses is ongoing, with no additional information available at this time.
The flagged expenses included approximately $14,000 for a consultant hired to assist with the mayor’s speech at the April 2025 Halifax Chamber of Commerce event, as well as around $90,000 for restructuring the mayor’s office, initially budgeted at $50,000. Both expenditures did not undergo a competitive tender process, violating city policy as outlined by the auditor general.
In response to a freedom of information request, CBC obtained several emails from the public addressing the audit findings on the mayor’s office expenses. Although the identities were mostly redacted, the emails reflected varying sentiments from residents.
One resident expressed shock and annoyance over the use of public funds for an external speechwriter, highlighting the need for infrastructure repairs over such expenses.
Halifax City Hall is seen in this file photo. The Nova Scotia RCMP are investigating four expenses from Mayor Andy Fillmore’s office. (Robert Short/CBC)
Another resident raised concerns about the reorganization of the mayor’s office, questioning the lack of competitive bidding and transparency in the process.
A supportive email was also sent to Fillmore’s office, defending the mayor against criticisms raised by other redacted councillors.
Furthermore, two expenses related to legal advice on code-of-conduct complaints against Fillmore were highlighted in the audit, prompting Fillmore to reimburse the city for these charges in February.
In his post-audit statement, Fillmore attributed the situation to a lack of support during the office restructuring, citing decisions made by the former chief administrative officer, Cathie O’Toole.
O’Toole later refuted Fillmore’s claims, providing clarifications on the office’s independence and transition processes after the 2024 election.
Plans for reports on the mayor’s office audit and structural changes are in progress, with a focus on enhancing financial accountability within Fillmore’s office and the municipality at large.
The regional council recently supported Fillmore’s initiative for a comprehensive review of the decision to make the mayor’s office an independent entity, signaling potential adjustment recommendations in the near future.
Both Fillmore and the new CAO, Marnie Cluckie, are open to evaluations and potential modifications to ensure efficient use of public resources.
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