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Siloam Mission’s board is responding to recent calls by staff to remove its new CEO, who is just one week into the job.
The Winnipeg Free Press reported on Friday, Feb. 27, that staff at the downtown mission have come forward with allegations concerning CEO Sonia Prevost-Derbecker’s leadership.
According to the newspaper, staff allege Prevost-Derbecker used derogatory language to refer to members of the Indigenous community and described individuals struggling with substance use as “walking zombies.”
The Free Press also reported that staff claim the new CEO wants to build a fence around the shelter. When employees voiced concern about people being displaced, she allegedly responded, “I don’t care as long as they’re not here.”
Staff cited other concerns, including comments she made about the neighbourhood and the hiring process.
Board responds, expresses full confidence in CEO
In a statement released just before 11 p.m. Friday, Siloam’s board of directors said it has “full confidence in Sonia Prevost-Derbecker” and is committed to supporting her as she leads the organization into its next chapter.
The board said Prevost-Derbecker was selected following “a comprehensive search and governance process,” adding that more than 1,100 applicants applied during a nationwide recruitment effort.
The statement describes Prevost-Derbecker as a proud member of the Indigenous community who brings both lived and professional experience rooted in community. The board said it believes she is well-positioned to advance Siloam’s mission of ending chronic homelessness.
Addressing the concerns reported in the media, the board said it is aware of anonymous allegations and takes concerns about leadership, cultural respect and financial stewardship seriously.
“At this time, we have seen no evidence to substantiate the claims being circulated,” the statement reads.
The board acknowledged that leadership transitions can be challenging and said it is engaging third-party support to strengthen alignment and ensure clarity around governance roles and responsibilities.
“Our commitment to serving the community with respect, compassion, and integrity remains unwavering, and we stand behind Sonia as we move forward together,” the board said.
Prevost-Derbecker was announced as the new CEO on Jan. 22, and took on the role on Feb. 20, when she was officially introduced at a press conference.
At last week’s press conference she said, “Siloam is a special place, one that sees and honours the full humanity of our individuals, physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being.”
At the time, she celebrated the holistic approach the mission takes towards helping others. “It is more than just a housing and food distribution organization. It recognizes the holistic approach needed to truly support the whole person.”
The organization has faced leadership scrutiny before.
In February 2021, then-CEO Jim Bell resigned after anonymous staff raised allegations of cultural insensitivity. At the time, Siloam Mission announced Bell’s departure and said it would launch a comprehensive Indigenous Relations Strategy.
In a Feb. 11, 2021, release, board chair Garth Manness said the organization was committing to “walking a collaborative path toward Reconciliation and healing,” while acknowledging mistakes and pledging structural and governance changes.
