CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Salvation Army is seeking an independent review of operations in Charlottetown that have come under attack by clients and former staff.
“Since learning of the unsettling claims made by some clients and former staff members, the Salvation Army has retained an experienced Charlottetown-based firm to conduct an external review of the allegations made concerning the operation of Bedford MacDonald House and the Outreach Centre," Major Jamie Locke, divisional secretary for public relations and development, informed The Guardian in an email.
Locke says the review will commence immediately with a report to be delivered to the Salvation Army’s divisional and executive leadership at the national head office.
“Through the review, we seek to understand if any staff or client concerns exist, so that we can work to address them accordingly," says Locke.
“We are grateful to our government and community partners who are supportive of our decision to move forward with an external review. As a values-based Christian organization, the Salvation Army remains committed to providing person-centred, compassionate care and life-changing support to all those in need.’’
Green MLA Hannah Bell recently called on the province, which has committed almost $4 million in funding to the Christian organization over the next three years, to commit to an independent third-party investigation.
Bell said in the legislature it was “totally inappropriate’’ for the Salvation Army to conduct the investigation as it had originally planned.
Clients and former staff have voiced both concern and outrage to The Guardian at how some staff treat people who are seeking shelter and support at Bedford MacDonald House and the Outreach Centre.
Madison Mackay, who quit her part-time job at Bedford MacDonald House, accuses some staff of racist and discriminatory behaviour.
