Arthur Porter allegations put 'cloud' over MUHC, says director-general

Allegations of fraud against the former head of the McGill University Health Centre have tarnished the network's reputation, according to director-general and CEO Normand Rinfret.

The province'santi-corruption squad has issued an arrest warrantfor former MUHC director-generalArthur Porter and four other men tied to the MUHC's new superhospital project.

"These allegations are putting a cloud over the MUHC," Rinfret said.

"Suddenly you see the organization's reputation being injured and you feel sad, you feel hurt about this," he said.

Rinfret would not confirm whether the allegations are affecting fundraising for the $1.3-billion superhospital, scheduled to open in 2015.

But he did acknowledge some people are holding off on making donations.

Meanwhile, the MUHC has a deficit that could be ashigh as $115 and isfacing $50 million in budget cuts.