A misuse of public funds has Nova Scotia’s opposition party in hot water.

Auditor General Kim Adair plans to file a report with RCMP after her investigation into the Liberal Association of Nova Scotia.

Adair says a former employee’s misuse of travel claims, and a party credit card led to their resignation and the reimbursement of more than $194 thousand.

She says she’s concerned about how this was addressed, and how the association delayed reporting it in 2021.

“We question why they made an easy to fulfill information request a costly endeavour for our office. We spent considerable time and resources dealing with this matter, and it delayed our ability to report to the House of Assembly,” said Adair.

She said they have evidence that the association sought to conceal and delay disclosing the misuse until after the 2021 provincial election.

Adair says leader Zach Churchill has reviewed the report and agreed to follow her recommendations.

They include the Liberal Association filing formal complaints to RCMP and cooperating with their investigation, and giving the Chief Electoral Officer in Nova Scotia authority to deal with similar issues in the future.