I received an e-mail from Lorie Chortyk (BC SPCA p.r. person) July 2nd, in response to a question I had asked pertaining to the amount of severance to be paid to Mr. Brimacombe.

Apparently no agreement has been reached with Mr. Brimacombe on the amount of severance that will be paid to him. The affair is still in the hands of the lawyers, so the SPCA will be paying legal bills as well as the settlement. Lorie said that the severance money will be paid from the "core budget that is provided by donations."

An announcement will be made when a settlement is reached between Mr. Brimacombe and the Board. Information will be shared "as fully as we can" at that time. The usual legal and confidentiality reasons are given that apply to personnel dealings. In other words, the public may never get to know how large the settlement is.

Lorie says "that everyone here shares your concern that every dollar donated be used in the best interests of the animals."

I don't feel these amazingly generous personnel deals are in the best interests of the animals. Whoever agreed to this contract, or allowed outside corporations or consultants to act on the SPCA's behalf, should be among a future list of terminations!

Where was the Board of Directors when contracts like this were drawn up? Are they kept informed about what is going on- not just on this issue, but on many others, like CAMP or the investigative flaws? Where was the Board when the Strategic Plan was accepted so uncritically? How will they be able to change if any new directions are taken by a new leader?

How many more people are sitting on future big payouts? How can donors stop things like this? Will the directors examine future contracts?

I want excellent spay/neuter programmes, top-notch care for animals, competent and successful investigations, and reasonable wages for shelter staff.