Access to Government Information Expands | News Releases | Government of Nova Scotia
Government will be more open with information and subject to more complete examination with proposed changes to modernize the Auditor General Act.
The amendments, tabled in the legislature today, Nov. 10, will improve government accountability by giving the auditor general broader and more comprehensive access to information, allowing him to do a more thorough audit.
They will clarify his independence from the executive branch of government, strengthening his role to conduct performance audits. The amendments will tighten the definition of the government entities he may audit, clarifying his scope and responsibilities.
"These amendments will help the auditor general to do more thorough and comprehensive audits, resulting in better, more open reporting to Nova Scotians," said Finance Minister Graham Steele. "They will ensure government continues to be able to receive full and frank advice to support decision-making."
The provisions in the act about access to information clarify the auditor general office's access to Cabinet and solicitor-client documents, and require the auditor general to keep the content of these confidential documents private. The act also outlines a process to decide which documents are confidential, when that is not immediately clear.
The auditor general reports to the House of Assembly, issues independent opinions on government financial reports, and conducts performance audits on public-sector operations. The office has 34 staff and produces two or more audit reports each year.
The proposed legislation amendments were developed in consultation with, and are supported by, the auditor general's office.
"This act significantly improves accountability in government," said Auditor General Jacques Lapointe. "It settles the question of audit access to people and documents, and settles it in favour of greater openness. "This is important legislation that improves our ability to provide meaningful and constructive information to the House of Assembly."
The act will come into force when it is passed in the legislature.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The province is proposing changes to legislation that will
give the auditor general broader access to information in Cabinet
and legal documents.
Finance Minister Graham Steele says the amendments will help
the auditor general to do more thorough and comprehensive audits,
resulting in better, more open reporting to Nova Scotians.
The proposed amendments to the legislation were developed in
consultation with the auditor general's office.
-30-
Media Contact: Valerie Bellefontaine
Department of Finance
902-424-8787
Cell: 902-499-4767
E-mail: bellefva@gov.ns.ca
Government will be more open with information and subject to more complete examination with proposed changes to modernize the Auditor General Act.
The amendments, tabled in the legislature today, Nov. 10, will improve government accountability by giving the auditor general broader and more comprehensive access to information, allowing him to do a more thorough audit.
They will clarify his independence from the executive branch of government, strengthening his role to conduct performance audits. The amendments will tighten the definition of the government entities he may audit, clarifying his scope and responsibilities.
"These amendments will help the auditor general to do more thorough and comprehensive audits, resulting in better, more open reporting to Nova Scotians," said Finance Minister Graham Steele. "They will ensure government continues to be able to receive full and frank advice to support decision-making."
The provisions in the act about access to information clarify the auditor general office's access to Cabinet and solicitor-client documents, and require the auditor general to keep the content of these confidential documents private. The act also outlines a process to decide which documents are confidential, when that is not immediately clear.
The auditor general reports to the House of Assembly, issues independent opinions on government financial reports, and conducts performance audits on public-sector operations. The office has 34 staff and produces two or more audit reports each year.
The proposed legislation amendments were developed in consultation with, and are supported by, the auditor general's office.
"This act significantly improves accountability in government," said Auditor General Jacques Lapointe. "It settles the question of audit access to people and documents, and settles it in favour of greater openness. "This is important legislation that improves our ability to provide meaningful and constructive information to the House of Assembly."
The act will come into force when it is passed in the legislature.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The province is proposing changes to legislation that will
give the auditor general broader access to information in Cabinet
and legal documents.
Finance Minister Graham Steele says the amendments will help
the auditor general to do more thorough and comprehensive audits,
resulting in better, more open reporting to Nova Scotians.
The proposed amendments to the legislation were developed in
consultation with the auditor general's office.
-30-
Media Contact: Valerie Bellefontaine
Department of Finance
902-424-8787
Cell: 902-499-4767
E-mail: bellefva@gov.ns.ca
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