Public Accounts Committee Establishes Practices and Procedures Manual

The Public Accounts Committee met yesterday (Tuesday July 24). The purpose of the meeting was primarily for the committee to establish a modern Practices and Procedures Manual and, according to committee Chair, St. Barbe MHA Jim Bennett, the province now has a contemporary document that will guide the committee in its future work. Mr. Bennett says it is important for the committee to establish these guidelines in advance of public hearings.

Vice Chairman, Conception Bay East – Bell Island MHA David Brazil was pleased that the committee was able to produce such a comprehensive work product in an atmosphere of collaboration and collegiality. Mr. Brazil says that while it is realistic to assume that committee members will have differences of opinion from time to time, it is gratifying to note that everyone on the committee is participating in establishing the ground rules that will be used to guide the committee.

To date the committee has also met with the Auditor General to be briefed on his report, has selected agencies and departments for review and has written to those bodies seeking their feedback on the Auditor General’s report. The committee is now positioned to conduct its first round of public hearings, which will be announced shortly.

Other committee members are Terra Nova MHA Sandy Collins, Cape St. Francis MHA Kevin Parsons, Straights –White Bay North MHA Christopher Mitchelmore, Bonavista North MHA Eli Cross and Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce.

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2012 07 25                                     1:45 p.m.