Minister Joan Marie Aylward comments on Auditor General�s Report

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, today commented on the release of the 2001 Auditor General�s Report to the House of Assembly. The annual report outlines the auditor general�s observations with respect to her review of the accounts of the province, which includes its departments, Crown corporations, boards and agencies.

"Government acknowledges receipt of the Auditor General�s Report and appreciates being apprised of her observations and recommendations. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador takes the comments of the auditor general seriously and will review her recommendations and take appropriate action. Government has already taken action on some of the matters addressed by her recommendations," said Minister Aylward. "Government takes its responsibilities very seriously and continues to manage the province�s finances and public services in a prudent manner. I note the auditor general has provided a clean audit opinion on the Public Accounts of the province and that this province follows generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the public sector in Canada."

The auditor general has provided comments and recommendations on a variety of issues across government departments and agencies. In most cases, her report also includes government�s response to the matters raised outlining government�s view of the matter and action taken or proposed.

Minister Aylward also thanked Elizabeth Marshall for her 10 years of valuable service to the province. "This is the final report for Elizabeth Marshall in her role as auditor general for the province," said Minister Aylward. "On behalf of the government and the people of the province I thank her for her diligence, professionalism and her contribution to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador during her years of service, and I wish her well in her future endeavours." Ms. Marshall will complete her 10 year statutory term in keeping with the Auditor General Act at the end of March 2002.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-6793.

2002 02 01                       12:25 p.m.