Notice to All TTC Employees

Dear Colleagues,

I write to you today with profound disappointment of the news that three current and former TTC employees have been arrested and charged by Toronto Police with very serious crimes, including: fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and breach of trust. These arrests and charges come after a lengthy internal investigation by the TTC’s own internal forces. The investigation into this matter continues, with more arrests and charges to follow.

Here is a link to the Toronto Police Service’s news release: http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/29351.

It is alleged that over the course of several years, these individuals stole, defrauded and attempted to circumvent TTC purchasing policies and authorities, harming our collective reputation and the public’s trust of us in the process.

I have given direction to my Executive Team that they are to offer any and all resources required by investigators to flush out others who may have been party to these crimes. If you have any information that may be of assistance, please call the Integrity Line at 1-866-840-5217 or go to clearviewconnects.com.

Last summer, I announced the creation of the Integrity program to help root out those whose unethical actions harm this organization’s collective reputation. While the investigation leading to today’s announcement predates the Integrity program, I am convinced, more than ever, that the program must continue. But it must also be strengthened with a comprehensive Whistleblower Policy and a Code of Ethics. As such, I am announcing today that these two policies will be developed for my approval, as well as the TTC Board’s approval, and implemented this fall.

I am also announcing today that mandatory ethics training for all supervisory and management staff be developed in consultation with the City of Toronto and the City Auditor General, also for implementation this fall.

Finally, I am retaining the forensic audit firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to report directly to me on a review of contract controls, signing authority and procurement practices and policies here at the TTC. The auditors will make recommendations to me on ways that we may further strengthen and make the necessary changes to protect the TTC and public funds. I will report on this review to you and the TTC Board, also this fall.

It is true that incidents like these are isolated and the systems we have in place to catch unethical and criminal behaviour work, as evidenced by today’s arrests and the laying of criminal charges. But it is also true that when these incidents occur, the public’s trust in us is eroded. That is patently unfair to each of you who come to work, day in and day out, serving the people of Toronto with pride and integrity. Building on that, together we must foster a TTC culture of an unwavering and absolute sense of ethics.

I will keep you informed of these critical initiatives as each moves forward. I am heartened to be surrounded by so many professional, hardworking and dedicated people, such as you. I remain honoured to lead us on our journey of being a transit system that makes Toronto proud.

Andy Byford
Chief Executive Officer
June 11, 2014