May 21, 2024
Inside an alleged conspiracy to steal government funds, ongoing turmoil over COVID-era restrictions and the state of housing on Indigenous reserves.
Good morning. This is the Tuesday, May 21 edition of First Up, the Star’s daily morning digest. Sign up to get it earlier each day, in your inbox.
Here’s the latest on an alleged conspiracy to steal millions in government money, ongoing turmoil over COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta and the state of housing on Indigenous reserves.
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An alleged inside job saw more than $2 million in government grant money stolen from the YMCA
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is suing a former employee, alleging she orchestrated a kickback scheme that defrauded the charity and robbed taxpayers of more than $2 million, Brendan Kennedy reports. The individual, Christine Ruth Burns, is accused of conspiring with others to steal millions intended for a job-training program funded by the federal government. In October 2023, Burns was criminally charged with fraud, identity theft and uttering forged documents. The YMCA’s statement of claim names eight individuals — including Burns’ husband — and eight companies as defendants; the allegations have not been proven in court. Take a deep dive into the details.