Hamilton taking steps to reduce fraud, waste following auditor general report

The City of Hamilton is taking steps to reduce fraud and waste, as called out in an annual auditor general’s report.

The city is strengthening policies and procedures to prevent and detect cyberfraud and fraudulent benefit claims through the use of its fraud and waste hotline.

According to the report, between July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 a total of 127 reports were received and assessed by the Office of the Auditor General.

The hotline is also giving employees clearer guidance on conflicts of interest should they pop up.

Hamilton’s City Manager Marnie Cluckie says its fraud and waste hotline is a cornerstone of the city’s commitment to transparency.

“Fraud and waste undermine the trust that residents place in the City to responsibly manage public resources,” said Cluckie in the report. “We are determined to learn from these findings and make meaningful changes that ensure the City operates with integrity, resilience, and transparency.”

The city says the hotline gives the public, employees, contractors, and vendors an anonymous way to report suspected issues.

WATCH MORE: Passenger volume down significantly at key Hamilton airport