----- Original Message -----
From: Heather Pettit
To: John.vanDongen@gems4.gov.bc.ca
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2004 5:13 PM
Subject: File: 0280-30, Ref: 65145

Honourable John van Dongen
Minister

Dear Sir:

I am writing to correct some of the information which you sent to me in the attached e-mail, referenced above. I would like to draw your attention to the following paragraph, excerpted from your communication:

"You state that the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has never submitted an audited financial statement to the Registrar of Companies, as required by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Ministry staff have inquired with officials at the Corporate and Personal Property Registries, Ministry of Finance, and are advised that the Society has been diligent and is current with its financial reporting requirements. You may obtain a copy of these documents by contacting the Societies and Cooperatives Unit in Victoria at 250 356-771[sic]."

Following your advice, I contacted Val Proctor at the Societies and Cooperatives Unit. She told me that she would send me a copy of the 2002 BC SPCA audited financial statements as soon as she received them. She also told me that the BC SPCA had filed a Review Engagement - not an audited statement - for 2001

On Monday, July 12 2004, I phoned Mrs. Proctor to ask whether the audited statements for 2002 had ever been filed. Mrs. Proctor has retired, but her replacement, Ruth McIver, promised to look into the matter. On Tuesday, July 13, 2004, Molly Aziz of the Societies and Cooperatives Unit called to tell me that the BC SPCA had filed only a Review Engagement for 2001 and NOTHING for 2002 and 2003.

Mr. van Dongen, the BC SPCA has NEVER FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PCA ACT. As the Minister responsible, I expect you to address this matter immediately. Millions of dollars in donations and bequests are at stake here.

Yours truly,
Heather Pettit
Vernon, BC