. From the start, the business company was a controversial endeavour.. Some questioned the ethics of selling public education abroad, while others criticized the amount of time and money that went toward the out-of-country operation.
. A handful of parents in New Westminster sought intervention from
the province.. After complaints from parents in 2007, the government changed the law to increase transparency for the business company by requiring such measures as arm's-length directors, annual public meetings and annual reports.
. Another questioned connections related to former associate superintendent
Russ Pacey, who left the district in 2006 with little explanation, though the business company was fledgling under Pacey's tenure.
Pacey is listed as CINEC's president on its website. The business company was working with CINEC, which the school district's business company had worked with.
Atkinson said the district never worked directly with Pacey, but the optics were a concern for some.
Former trustee Jim Goring had concerns about the company. When he was on the board, Goring pushed for the company to pay back interest on the almost $1 million
loan. He also wanted the company to provide regular budget updates, a formal business plan, a risk assessment and greater transparency.
Atkinson said releasing detailed financial statements could compromise the business company because of the competitive nature of international education.. Goring also questioned whether Atkinson was in a conflict of interest when he served as both a trustee and as a board director and chief executive officer of the business company.
In February 2012, auditor general John Doyle said Atkinson was in a conflict in his dual roles.
