SONACC finance questioned

SONACC, which formerly operated the four racetracks in Quebec, including Hippodrome de Montreal, has been cited for several alleged misuses, according to a story in Wednesday’s Montreal Gazette. SONACC turned over control of the tracks earlier this year to a private company.

In the report prepared by the province’s auditor-general, several allegations were stated that were questionable and did not exercise control. That included nearly half of $738,600 in expenses billed by 14 SONACC executives between 1999 and 2005.

Included among the questionable expenses was $12,000 for a rental of a plane to the U.S.; a director with a salary of almost $100,000 received $82,500 in severance pay, and then was rehired as a consultant and paid more than $350,000 over the next two years; bonuses paid without any performance review, including one $20,000 bonus given despite a negative review; five directors received annual car allowances ranging from $17,000 to $22,000; and one board member who received $42,750 for appearances at golf tournaments, business lunches and SONACC’s special events. Also, complimentary meals totaling more than $1 million at the restaurant at Hippodrome de Montreal were never substantiated to any recipient.

One government official was quoted as saying the practices were “unacceptable,” and that the government and tax department should make an attempt to recoup some of the money.

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