Following a police referral earlier this year regarding spending from Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore’s office, some residents voiced their disappointment to the city. Additionally, a former high-ranking bureaucrat raised concerns about one of Fillmore’s justifications.
In a late June municipal audit report, it was highlighted that four financial transactions originating from Fillmore’s office did not adhere to Halifax Regional Municipality policy. The city’s auditor general escalated these expenses to the police as they exceeded his comfort level, emphasizing that only law enforcement authorities can determine if any illegal activities occurred.
The Nova Scotia RCMP indicated that their investigation into these expenses is ongoing and refrained from providing further specifics at this time.
Among the flagged expenses were approximately $14,000 allocated for a consultant for the mayor’s April 2025 Halifax Chamber of Commerce speech and around $90,000 designated for restructuring the mayor’s office, surpassing the initial estimated cost of $50,000. Notably, neither of these expenses underwent a competitive tender process, which violated city policy, as highlighted by the auditor general.
In response to the audit, a resident expressed shock and annoyance in a communication to Coun. Jean St-Amand, criticizing the allocation of public funds for an external speechwriter while essential infrastructure repairs remained underfunded.
Another resident emailed Fillmore’s office, raising concerns about potential policy violations and the appearance of favoritism. The resident questioned the lack of transparency in the reorganization of the mayor’s office, urging a clear explanation for deviating from standard procurement procedures.
Conversely, a District 3 resident extended support to Fillmore, indirectly referencing concerns raised by other redacted councillors in response to the audit.
Furthermore, external legal advice expenses totaling almost $7,700 were incurred for issues related to code-of-conduct complaints against Fillmore. After senior staff instructed him, Fillmore reimbursed the city for these expenses in February.
During a media briefing post-audit, Fillmore acknowledged the challenges faced by his office in fall 2025, attributing some issues to the former CAO’s decision to separate the mayor’s office without adequate procurement training support.
In an email to Coun. Cathy Deagle Gammon, Cathie O’Toole, the former Halifax chief administrative officer referenced by Fillmore, refuted his remarks and clarified the organizational restructuring process. O’Toole emphasized that the mayor’s office transitioned to an autonomous unit as of October 1, 2025, with dedicated finance staff providing tailored support.
Looking ahead, a staff report evaluating potential corrective actions to enhance financial accountability within Fillmore’s office and the municipality at large is anticipated later this month. The regional council recently endorsed Fillmore’s proposal for a comprehensive review by new CAO Marnie Cluckie into the decision to establish the mayor’s office as an independent entity.
Cluckie mentioned the possibility of engaging an external consultant to assess the current operational setup for effectiveness and cost efficiency. Fillmore reiterated his openness to any outcomes, acknowledging the long-term impact of the mayor’s office structure beyond his tenure.