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NLIS 2
January 31, 2006
(Executive Council)
(Finance)
 

Government re-affirms commitment to accountability in response to Auditor General's Report

The Williams� government today re-affirmed its commitment to managing its business in an open and accountable manner, in response to the release of the Auditor General's 2004-05 annual report. Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, said government welcomes recommendations which will continue to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador remains a leader in effective and accountable government.

"Our government takes accountability very seriously, and we will be examining all of the Auditor General's recommendations as we continuously take steps to improve compliance year-to-year," said Minister Sullivan. "We are delivering responsible government that puts the public interest first and this government continues to believe in the prudent management of government resources."

In keeping with its Blueprint commitment to set the bar on transparency and accountability much higher, the government has improved its accountability and introduced tighter controls on the management of government.

  • The Accountability and Transparency Act requires departments to table strategic plans clearly outlining their core business, goals and performance measures.
  • The Government Purchasing Agency Act created an autonomous agency to manage the public tendering process which ensures a more open and competitive procurement process.
  • The Lobbyist and Registration Act regulates the activity of lobbyists and improves the transparency of government's decision-making process.
  • New Access to Information and Protection of Privacy legislation provides individuals with greater access to information.
  • In 2005-06, the province will include Memorial University of Newfoundland to the reporting entity in the books of the province in keeping with the Public Sector Accounting Standards requirements effective for that year.
  • The Auditor General has also given an unqualified opinion on the province's financial statements, noting in his report on the public accounts government's progress in tackling the annual deficit and improvements in its financial reporting.

    "While these results are welcome, the Auditor General has also said government's prudent financial management must continue," said Minister Sullivan. "We must remain focused and disciplined with a balanced approach searching for efficiencies, while continuing to make essential investments in health, education, infrastructure and the economy."

    The Auditor General did comment in this year�s report that there are several instances where the administrative policies of some boards and agencies are inconsistent with government. Government recognizes that boards and agencies sometimes require discretion and flexibility in the management of their own affairs, and we will continue to work together to ensure compliance to these issues as the Auditor General recommends.

    Government will work with its boards and agencies to establish a common and current understanding of good governance to better guide the working relationships between all public service bodies," said Minister Sullivan.

    Media contact: Deborah Pennell, Communications, (709) 729-6830, 685-6612

    2006 01 31                                          12:55 p.m.


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