CANADIAN LOTTERY BOSS GETS THE CHOP

8 June 2007

Change of leadership necessary following scathing ombudsman report on BC Lottery

Last week the CEO of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Vic Poleschuk was confident that he would remain in office to sort out the problems besetting the company (see previous InfoPowa report) His situation has changed dramatically this week, according to a report from CBC News.

Poleshuk, who appeared to be supported initially by chairman John McLernon, was fired this week following a scathing report by the province's ombudsman that found ticket retailers were apparently winning too often. The report triggered an investigation by provincial legal authorities that is ongoing.

In a written statement, the lottery corporation's board said it was terminating Poleschuk's employment effective immediately. Lottery corporation chair John McLernon said a change of leadership was required as the board focuses on implementing ombudsman Kim Carter's recommendations to fix the problems found in lottery operations.

Ombudsman Carter said the lottery system is open to abuse and possible fraud, and that lottery officials failed to protect customers.

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