Metro Vancouver freezes international travel amid spending questions – BC [Video]

Metro Vancouver’s new board chair took a tough tone with his fellow mayors and councillors Friday, as he sat down for his first day on the job.

Mike Hurley takes the chair’s seat amid turmoil in the regional district over concerns about travel expenses and the massively over-budget North Shore Wastewater plant.

In his opening remarks, Hurley told the board he has been reflecting on the body’s ability to earn the trust and confidence of the region’s residents.

“There is no doubt this organization is facing some very tough challenges and legitimate questions are being raised about how and why certain decisions have been made,” Hurley said.

Hurley said he was taking the situation seriously and working to restore trust, as he mentioned concerns about international travel.

“I’m going to put a pause on international travel for board and committee members,” he said.