TCHC board to meet to discuss allegations against CEO Eugene Jones

The board of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation is meeting tonight amid new allegations that have surfaced concerning the conduct of CEO Eugene Jones.

TCHC spokesperson Sara Goldvine confirmed to CP24 that an in-camera meeting is taking place, but would not confirm the location of the meeting or what specifically was being discussed.

According to a report in the Toronto Star, the board has called in a law firm to investigate two anonymous allegations against Jones.

The first allegation is that Jones fired newly hired Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas and gave her a severance payment while claiming that she had resigned.

The second allegation is that Jones’ office worked to keep his executive assistant off the Sunshine List for public servants despite the fact that she made in excess of $100,000.

Discussing the allegations at city hall Tuesday, Mayor Rob Ford said he continues to support Jones and cautioned city residents against rushing to conclusions.

"I support Eugene 100 per cent. He has done a phenomenal job and I would like these people to come forward and show me the allegations," he said. "If they can prove it and there is criminal wrongdoing that’s a different situation but as of now I support Eugene Jones."

Ford initially told reporters that Jones would not be dismissed as long as he was mayor, but he later corrected himself and said that it would ultimately be up to the board.

Jones joined the Toronto Community Housing Corporation in 2012 after a stint at the Detroit Housing Commission.