(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Melfort fraud policy

City of Melfort developing fraud policy

Dec 24, 2025 | 12:00 PM

The City of Melfort is looking at developing a comprehensive fraud policy.

The new policy was discussed at a recent Governance and Priorities Meeting.

Director of Corporate Services Lydia Steffen told northeastNOW there are reasons Melfort would benefit from the policy.

“A clear, council-approved fraud policy would show Melfort’s strong commitment to safeguarding public funds, improve internal controls, and reinforce public trust following recent fraud issues in other Saskatchewan municipalities,” Steffen explained.

Steffen said the idea came about after recent high-profile municipal and provincial fraud incidents in the province, which she said showed that even well-managed organizations face risks from both internal and external threats.

Carrot River RCMP

Police searching for Shoal Lake man in Red Earth Cree Nation shooting

8h ago

Complicated by significant snowfall

Pipe repair completed after water main break in Melfort

12h ago

Think you can gopher it?

Riders looking for next Gainer the Gopher

13h ago

The policy, which would have to be approved by Council, would include a zero-tolerance statement with guiding principles, including integrity and accountability. Steffen said the policy would also designate clear roles for Council and staff, and expectations for internal controls like segregation of duties and regular audits.

The fraud policy would cover internal fraud, including theft or false claims, procurement, and vendor fraud like bid rigging or kickbacks. Steffen said it would also include cyber and payment fraud including phishing and unauthorized transfers, and third-party fraud including contractors or partners.

“Many Canadian municipalities, particularly those hit by fraud, have adopted explicit fraud and whistleblower policies alongside their financial controls and codes of conduct,” Steffen explained. “This policy would position Melfort in line with modern municipal governance standards and the expectations of auditors and insurers.”

The policy will be presented to Council at their meeting Jan. 12.

–

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com