March 22, 1999
(Treasury Board Secretariat)

Improved Accountability Framework for Boards and Agencies

Treasury Board President, Anna Thistle, announced today that government is working to make its boards and agencies more accountable in their financial planning and their operations. The announcement was made today in the 1999 Provincial Budget.

"Boards that are more accountable will perform better for the public," Ms. Thistle said today. "Government wants to provide a more structured approach in the manner in which boards and agencies are accountable to their line departments."

Under the new framework, boards will be classified by level of activity. Depending on their level, they will have to establish annual budgets, prepare multi-year budget planning and develop annual board plans that will outline their focus for the coming year. This is very similar to provincial departments.

"This broad-based improvement through the introduction of a formalized accountability framework will make the entire system much more effective," Thistle continued. "The framework will provide a standardized approach to the reporting of board activity and ensure that government is fully aware of the overall directions being followed by these agencies in addition to early detection of any disadvantageous financial trends within the boards."

Minister Thistle said she believes that the new framework will permit government to take the necessary steps to ensure timely and appropriate responses to issues raised through the new process.

Media contact: David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-6830.

1999 03 22