The BC NDP is asking the auditor general for a formal audit of Community Living B.C. and its dealings with WJS Canada after a Global News investigation into the housing of convicted sex offender James Conway.
“In terms of ensuring public confidence, it is something best done by an arms-length independent individual and that would be the auditor general,” said Mike Farnworth, NDP justice critic.
Global News learned the Mission property where Conway is currently living was purchased by Lynett Stucky-Mack, a manager of WJS Canada – the company that was contracted by Community Living B.C. to provide Conway with housing and care.
It was also discovered that Stucky-Mack shares a residence with Anne Nikon, WJS Canada’s national executive director, board member and shareholder. Both women were placed on administrative leave pending an internal conflict-of-interest investigation.
READ MORE: Internal investigation launched around property housing sex offender James Conway
WJS Canada selected the property on Dewdney Trunk Road over 13 others shortlisted by B.C. Corrections based on Conway’s court conditions.
The real estate listing of the home touted the property’s large lot and being minutes from local schools.
“Frankly, if this was a cooked-up deal and conflict of interest was involved I would suggest that both those senior people should lose their jobs,” said Mission Mayor Randy Hawes.
WJS Canada’s CEO Peter Farnden said he was not completely aware of the situation regarding Conway’s housing.
“I was aware of some of the details. I wasn’t aware of all the details,” he said.
Farnden admitted that WJS Canada has a responsibility to choose locations that offer clients the best chance of success which includes mitigating negative impacts on the community.
READ MORE: Ownership of property where sex offender James Conway believed to reside under scrutiny
He said this goes above and beyond the court conditions required by B.C. Corrections.
When asked if Conway’s current location met these higher standards, Farnden said that would be part of the investigation.
“I don’t always know all the details of every particular situation, I will certainly address that when we have our report finished,” he said.
Farnden said he has never personally owned property that has been leased for WJS Canada cases, nor is he aware of any other managers or employees doing the same. He added the company also rarely purchases property for these purposes either.
“Generally, ministries discourage us from owning property and then leasing back to individuals,” Farnden said.
Farnworth said the lack of oversight by CLBC and WJS Canada is a key reason why an investigation needs to be conducted by a third party. He said the public needs to know if this “clear conflict of interest” is an isolated case or a systemic problem.
READ MORE: Protesters in Mission rallying outside house believed to be occupied by sex-offender
But Mission’s mayor said Conway needs to be relocated immediately as a means of restoring public trust.
“It’s disgusting when money is put ahead of the well-being of families, kids, and that’s what appears to have happened here,” said Hawes.
CLBC and WJS Canada say they will await the results of the investigation before determining whether Conway should be moved.
B.C. Corrections said the decision to relocate Conway would be up to him and WJS Canada.
“To be clear, B.C. Corrections would not play a role in physically relocating Mr. Conway. Our focus is on ensuring that his residence meets the conditions of his court order,” added B.C. Corrections.
B.C. NDP letter to the Auditor General.