Finance
January 26, 2011

Government Remains Focused on Effective Management of Public Resources

The Provincial Government’s strong commitment to managing the province’s affairs and financial resources in a responsible, accountable, and effective manner continues to be a top priority, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, said today. Minister Marshall was commenting on the Report of the Auditor General on Reviews of Departments and Crown Agencies for the year ended March 31, 2010, which was released earlier today.

“The report of the Auditor General provides valuable, independent oversight of government’s operations,” said Minister Marshall. “We always take the Auditor General’s report very seriously, and we will give careful consideration to his recommendations and comments to examine what steps might be required to further enhance internal processes and the administration of programs and services. As a government, it is our responsibility to stay accountable to the people of the province, and we remain firmly focused on ensuring that the activities and resources of government are managed effectively.”

Minister Marshall reiterated the Provincial Government’s positive track record of implementing past recommendations made by the Auditor General, as indicated in the Updates on Prior Years’ Report Items.

“Of the recommendations being followed up on in this report, 89.1 per cent have been completed or are in the process of being completed,” said Minister Marshall. “This exceeds the Auditor General’s stated goal and reflects this government’s responsiveness to making continuous improvements in how departments and agencies operate. We remain committed to sound governance, responsible management and fiscal discipline.”

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Media contact:
Mark King
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 699-3454
MarkKing@gov.nl.ca 

2011 01 26                                                      11:25 a.m.