By Canadian Press

No conflict in handling of B.C. zero-emission grants, says auditor general

Aug 28, 2024 | 10:28 AM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s auditor general says his office has found no evidence of a conflict of interest in the handling of provincial grants for the zero-emission vehicle sector, after an accusation by a truck maker earlier this year.

Michael Pickup says in a statement the investigation looked into accounting firm MNP’s handling of Advanced Research and Commercialization grant applications, reviewing “a significant amount of information” from the company, the government and all applicants.

Pickup says the results show no evidence MNP wrote grant applications for clients, influenced the evaluation process to benefit clients or used its administering of the program to “recruit” clients for the company’s other services.

In April, the provincial legislature unanimously directed Pickup’s office to examine allegations by electric-hybrid truck maker Edison Motors that MNP was both administering the grants and offering services to help businesses with applications.

The Office of the Auditor General says the allegations from Edison, which is based in Merritt, B.C., suggested MNP “was offering to write grant applications in exchange for a success fee while also deciding who received grant funding.”

off the schedule

BC Ferries preemptively cancels early Saturday sailings

45m ago

firm handshake

B.C. NDP government, Greens reach 'shared priorities' agreement

3h ago

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

4h ago

MNP said at the time that the allegations were “false and misleading.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 28, 2024.

The Canadian Press