TCHC refusing to comment on potentially ruinous report

Watch video above: TCHC CEO Gene Jones in hot water again ahead of potentially damning report. Mark Carcasole reports. 

TORONTO – The Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is refusing to comment on a reportedly damning ombudsman report that could lead to the ousting of its CEO.

It’s not known exactly what the report is about but The Toronto Star is reporting it deals with “multiple alleged improprieties by senior executives.”

Jones was hired in 2012 after the entire TCHC board resigned during a controversy created from a 2011 report on spending but has recently been at the centre of controversy.

In February, he was accused of mishandling the departure of an executive and attempting to keep an assistant off the Sunshine List. As a result of those allegations, Jones lost his 2013 bonus and was forced to get an executive coach.

He has since won the favour of Mayor Rob Ford.

“I support Gene Jones, I don’t think any of us are perfect and he has done a phenomenal job at Toronto Community Housing,” Ford said in February. “I support Gene Jones 100 per cent for the job he’s done and the job he’s continued to do.”

The Toronto Star is reporting that Tuesday’s scathing report from Ombudsman Fiona Crean might lead to the firing of Jones.

The TCHC board has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss the report but until then will not comment, choosing instead to say the corporation “respects the duty of confidentiality with regard to an investigation by the Ombudsman.”

“We will comment on the Ombudsman’s report only after it has been made public,” the statement read. “A joint response letter from the Board of Directors and Management will be included in the Ombudsman’s report.”