Governance behaviours of WHMB under scrutiny by county

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Debbie Wakelam, who served as the member at large for Wheatland County on the Wheatland Housing Management Board, raised alarming concerns during the June 3 regular meeting of council.

She gave feedback to council regarding seven months of service in the position.

“I found it shocking to be at the center of mistrust, unfair prejudice, bullying, and intimidating attitude displayed towards myself, along with the accusations of deceitful intent and implications of unethical actions, almost like my presence was part of some nefarious plot against the board,” she said. “I was told twice, ‘you will do okay if you do not ask the board any questions.’ New board members especially, need relevant information to succeed. They should be encouraged to ask questions in a safe atmosphere and receive answers without criticism and belittling for asking.”

Following Wakelam’s report, councillors Shannon Laprise, Donna Biggar, and Scott Klassen acknowledged her concerns and echoed having similar experiences during their respective tenures while seated on the WHMB. 

During the meeting, it was suggested that the county provide a list of questions to be taken to the WHMB to be answered specifically in order to keep the county informed as deemed necessary regarding board spending and activity. 

Wakelam, who resigned from the board later in June, stressed the need for greater transparency from the WHMB regarding the use of taxpayer money and the creation of a more suitable working environment. 

“It is their responsibility to report back to the county and it is their lack of communication (that) has caused a lot of the problems … they requisition funds, and when they come back and the county asks what they used the money for, they (argue), ‘We do not have to tell you,’” she said. “The county requesting the information, that is their due diligence. It is taxpayer’s money … whatever the requisition is, these board members say, ‘We are autonomous, we do not have to answer to you, just give us the money.’”

She suggested a public audit of the WHMB, as well as the disbanding of all current members in order to bring in an entirely new board.

Wakelam attended the Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association conference in Edmonton as a representative of the county, March 31 to April 2. This action had been approved by the county. Mileage and per diems had been paid for by the county, but not the registration fee. 

Prior to receiving the county’s approval to attend, Wakelam had been instructed by the WHMB she was not to attend representing the board. 

Coun. Rick Laursen disputed Wakelam’s report, stating he believed many of her points to be false. He also questioned her attendance at the conference, indicating she was instructed by the WHMB to not attend. 

Reeve Amber Link asked for a clarification regarding why there was concern regarding whether Wakelam had attended the conference with indicated representation of the WHMB. 

“There was certainly majority support from our council for our member at large to attend a conference that could help equip her to best serve on this board. I can’t speak to the board’s decision to change their support,” said Link.

She added an expressed regret for Wakelam’s experience with the WHMB, stating a belief that good governance demands better of public organizations and an encouragement of variety in opinions. 

“Several of us have experienced very similar behaviours and a lack of respect for diverse perspectives on the WHMB. I strongly believe that good governance really hinges on the courage to ask good questions, and on that respect for diverse perspectives,” said Link. “It is disappointing to hear that that continues. It really can erode public trust and accountability and transparency within an organization when questions are met with that type of brute resistance as somebody had already indicated.”