The Peel Children’s Aid Society (CAS) in Peel Region has been embroiled in a scandal involving allegations of financial mismanagement and criminal behavior. Marino Cader, the former head of finance for Peel CAS, was arrested in November 2022 along with another employee on charges of an alleged scheme to defraud the organization. However, charges against Cader were withdrawn in May 2023 due to police disclosure issues. Cader, who has been struggling to deal with the stigma of the scandal, is now pursuing a civil case against Peel CAS, while the agency is seeking damages from him as well. A Global News investigation based on leaked documents and interviews with employees revealed how the agency became embroiled in controversy, including allegations of a toxic work culture and a financial scandal.
The dysfunction within Peel Children’s Aid began to surface after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, leading to internal pressure on then-CEO Rav Bains. After a report commissioned by the organization’s union revealed issues of anti-Black racism within the organization, a group of senior managers, including Cader, raised concerns about Bains’ behavior to the board. Allegations ranged from unprofessional conduct to financial mismanagement, including the construction of an expensive gymnasium with a badminton court despite recommendations for a basketball court. Bains, placed on administrative leave, was later cleared of serious wrongdoing but found to have committed minor policy violations.
Following the retirement of Bains, the scandal continued with the arrest of former employees, Cader and Andre Paul, on charges related to an alleged purchase and reimbursement scheme that defrauded Peel CAS of over a quarter of a million dollars. However, criminal charges against both were eventually withdrawn due to delayed disclosure of evidence by the police. The battle over responsibility for the alleged issues at Peel CAS has now moved to civil court, with both Cader and the agency trading statements of claim and counterclaims. Cader is seeking damages for wrongful dismissal and defamation, while Peel CAS is seeking the return of funds allegedly taken and damages.
The allegations involve different schemes related to the purchase of gift cards, with Cader claiming that Bains instructed staff to buy gift cards to avoid returning surplus funds to the government. In contrast, Peel CAS alleges that Cader bought the gift cards himself without instruction and blamed Bains when questioned. Both parties have expressed their commitment to see the case through, with Cader maintaining his innocence and stating that he has evidence to support his claims. Peel Children’s Aid remains focused on ensuring that funds are returned to benefit children, youth, and families in the Peel Region, emphasizing that their main objective is to serve the community.
The scandal at Peel Children’s Aid Society has had a significant impact on the individuals involved, from former employees facing criminal charges to the lasting stigma of the allegations. The organization itself has faced scrutiny over its governance and management practices, raising questions about its ability to serve vulnerable children and families effectively. With the case now moving into civil court, the truth behind the allegations and the responsibility for the alleged financial mismanagement will hopefully come to light. Both Cader and Peel CAS are committed to pursuing their respective claims, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the funds are returned to benefit those in need in the Peel Region.
