B.C. Finance Ministry investigating Kwantlen Student Association

This file photo shows Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the summer of 2015. (CTV)

B.C.’s Ministry of Finance announced an investigation Friday into the student association at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

In a brief statement, the ministry said the Kwantlen Student Association would be investigated under the Societies Act for possible misuse of funds or “other problematic conduct.”

“Pending the investigation, a ministerial order prohibits the Kwantlen Student Association from disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of its assets except as authorized by the order," the ministry’s statement reads.

“The association may spend reasonable amounts on proper operational expenses.”

The ministry did not elaborate on the specifics of the conduct or alleged misappropriation it’s investigating, saying only that the action follows “a report from the registrar of companies to the minister of finance.”

“Action is being taken to protect the student association and its members pending the investigation,” the statement concludes.

CTV News has reached out to the KSA for comment on the provincial investigation, but has not received a response. This story will be updated if one is received.

KPU vice-president of students Zena Mitchell sent a brief statement Friday night saying the university “welcomes” the government’s notice regarding the investigation.

“The KSA is an independent society governed under the Societies Act and is therefore accountable to its members, who are KPU students," Mitchell said. “KPU itself is not a member of the KSA. The university reserves further comment.”