Finance
December 15, 2014

Responsible Decisions Support Sound Management

Minister Responds to Auditor General’s Annual Report

The Auditor General today released his annual report containing commentary and recommendations related to four reviews: Memorial University, Aquaculture, the Energy Plan and Government Vehicles.

“The Auditor General provides an important level of oversight for government and we appreciate the insight into how well the government is managing resources. The report of the Auditor General provides welcome input and can only assist in helping us meet our goal to continue to deliver the programs and services that are most important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

Highlights and outcomes of the report include:

• The Auditor General acknowledged the Department of Natural Resource’s progress towards implementing the goals and objectives of the Energy Plan, with a full report on the status of implementation and related outcomes to be released soon;
• On the eve of launching a new aquaculture strategy, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will use feedback from the Auditor General to improve its approach to developing the aquaculture industry, which currently supports more than 1000 jobs;
• Memorial University has adequate processes in place to monitor its financial positon and operations. Recruitment and compensation practices, along with approving and paying travel and relocation expenditures are in accordance with university policy; and
• Officials with the Department of Transportation and Works are working with relevant departments to ensure that the government vehicle fleet is better managed.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a proven track record of carefully considering all recommendations of the Auditor General and making changes where appropriate in as timely a manner as possible. These results can be seen in responses to the Auditor General’s Update Reports.

“The Provincial Government remains focused on the province’s long-term prosperity through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions. Departments are closely reviewing recommendations from the latest annual report of the Auditor General and actions will be taken, where necessary, to ensure sound and responsible governance.”
- Minister Wiseman

QUICK FACTS

• The Auditor General today released his annual report containing commentary and recommendations related to four reviews: Memorial University, Aquaculture, the Energy Plan and Government Vehicles.
• The Provincial Government has a proven track record of carefully considering all recommendations of the Auditor General and making changes where appropriate in as timely a manner as possible.
• Departments are closely reviewing recommendations from the latest annual report of the Auditor General and actions will be taken, where necessary, to ensure sound and responsible governance.

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Media contact:

John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

2014 12 15                                             3:40 p.m.