The former Thompson-Nicola Regional District executive who resigned this week from TRU’s board of governors in the wake of a $500,000 spending scandal remains an advisor for the university’s ongoing $50-million fundraising campaign.
Sukh Gill, former TNRD CAO, spent more than $500,000 of taxpayer money on meals, gifts, booze and hotels over a five-year period. Kamloops This Week detailed the lavish spending in a series of stories last week.
Following that reporting, Gill resigned his seat on Thompson Rivers University’s board of governors. He remains, however, on the cabinet of TRU’s Limitless campaign, which is closing in on its $50-million goal.
“The Limitless campaign is in its last stages and will wind down by March 31,” TRU spokesman Todd Hauptman told Castanet Kamloops.
“Individuals serving as members of the campaign cabinet are volunteers and act in an advisory role to the Limitless campaign fundraising efforts. Mr. Gill is a member of the cabinet.”
While Gill’s spending at the TNRD, as detailed by KTW, has raised many eyebrows in Kamloops, he is not accused of violating any laws or regional district policies. The TNRD has said it has since amended its policies to prevent such spending in the future.
There have been no allegations of any wrongdoing or excess spending on Gill's part in connection to either of his roles with TRU.
Gill left the TNRD abruptly in February 2020. The reasons for his departure are not clear.
TNRD board chair Ken Gillis is expected to hold a press conference on Monday morning to address the spending scandal.