Premier 'devastated' by theft from local riding association

Police in New Glasgow are investigating after thousands of dollars went missing from the bank account for Premier Tim Houston's Pictou East riding association.

Speaking to reporters in Halifax on Wednesday, Houston said he learned of the situation Monday evening and contacted police. Elections Nova Scotia was notified about the investigation on Tuesday. He said information would also be going out to party members to update them.

The premier would not say how much money is missing, but said it's in the thousands. Officials are still trying to determine how long the alleged theft was taking place before it was detected, said Houston. He said that only a small group of people have access to the bank account.

"I can't even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal that I feel and that my riding executive feels about this matter," said a sombre Houston.

He said he was angry, sad, disappointed and "really devastated for the volunteers" of the Pictou East Progressive Conservative riding association.

New Glasgow Regional Police Const. Ken Macdonald said the department's major crime unit is handling what's been classified as a fraud investigation.

Local volunteer under investigation, says Houston

The premier would not identify who is being investigated, but he said it was a local volunteer and someone he's known since he first got involved with the riding association in 2011. The person is not affiliated with the government and they're no longer a party member.

Houston secured the Pictou East Tory nomination in 2012 and was first elected in the 2013 general election.

The premier said he wants to let the investigation run its course, but he said the intention is to try to recoup as much of the missing money as possible.

"We want accountability," he said. "We want to know what happened."

Riding associations are operated by volunteers and much of their money comes through donations and fundraising. That money can then be used for things such as promotional materials and elections.

The situation presents a financial and emotional setback for volunteers of the riding association, said Houston. He said that as the investigation plays out, any shortcomings identified that could better protect money would be addressed.

Earlier this year, the premier was critical of the way officials with the Nova Scotia Liberal Party handled the discovery of thousands of dollars stolen by a party employee.

On Wednesday, Houston said "bad things happen" but the difference in this case was that he went to the police as soon as he learned money was missing.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill, who was not at his party's helm when their theft was discovered, said the decision by staff at the time was to focus on recovering the money. All of the approximately $190,000 was recouped.

He said the situation in Pictou East is "a learning moment for the premier." The Liberals also updated policies following an internal investigation to increase oversight around expenses and receiving donations, said Churchill.

"I think that's necessary for every political party, for every local organization, because we don't want these things to happen. It's a bad look for everybody, but I do hope the premier has learned, you know, don't throw stones when you live in a glass house."