Founder, two others on leave from Regina charity after sexual harassment allegations

The CEO and founder of Street Culture Project has been put on leave, along with two other employees, after a series of allegations about the Regina charity.

Last week, the group’s executive director was suspended and then quickly resigned after allegations surfaced online about persistent sexual harassment from people who said they were former employees.

On Wednesday morning, the co-chair of Street Culture Project’s board, Joey Tremblay, announced three other people were involved in allegations that surfaced over the weekend.

CEO and founder Kim Sutherland was put on leave. Two other staff members have been put on administrative duties and now don’t have direct contact with youth or staff.

Tremblay said a temporary leadership team has been put in place to keep operations going.

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Tremblay declined to explain what the allegations entailed, but he did say that comments found online calling Street Culture a “toxic workplace” and detailing the negative culture of the organization were a part of it.

“We are taking the voices of people who have come forward very seriously. We’re hearing them and are doing everything we can to make sure that the high standards of safety for our youth and in our care and in our staff are being met and exceeded,” said Tremblay.

The group has hired a third-party investigator to collect and look into complaints. Tremblay said that the investigator was chosen because of her experience and that she doesn’t have any contacts with anyone on the board or staff.

A website has been set up for written complaints to be sent to the investigator; a link can be found on Street Culture Project’s website.

“We welcome complainants and this process so we can become a better organization and make the systemic changes necessary to uphold the highest level of safety for the youth in our care and the staff who are working in the front line,” said Tremblay.

For those who might be concerned about their complaints being taken seriously because of close relationships between some of the staff and leadership, Tremblay said that’s why the organization has the investigator in place.

“The wrecking ball crash that happened to us last week was the first large-scale allegation that was made to the board that was brought up to us. And our response to that has been that we’ve mobilized immediately by creating this independent investigation, and that we’ve created a safe space for everyone to continue making these allegations and that those allegations will be addressed,” said Tremblay.

He said the process will take a while — likely at least three months before a report is completed.

There are more questions surrounding the allegations and reaction from the organization, but Tremblay ended the news conference after less than 10 minutes with members of the media.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The story has been edited to reflect the fact the organization’s director of operations is not on leave. The incorrect information was provided by Street Culture Project.