OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT

Released on April 12, 2000

The public will have access to the annual reports and financial statements of

government departments and agencies sooner than in the past with the

introduction today of The Tabling of Documents Amendment Act, 2000.



The bill requires annual reports and financial statements to be made public

even when the legislature is not in session. Currently, these documents can

only be tabled when the legislature is sitting.



"The amendments in this bill improve public accountability by providing the

public with more timely information," Justice Minister Chris Axworthy said.

"These changes are consistent with the improved accountability framework

announced in the December, 1999 Throne Speech."



Over the next four years, there will be a gradual reduction in the amount of

time allowed for the preparation and tabling of annual reports and financial

statements. At the end of the four-year phase-in period, annual reports and

financial statements will be made public within 120 days of the end of the

reporting period, whether or not the legislature is sitting. The current

legislation does not allow documents to be tabled unless the legislature is

sitting.



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For more information, contact:



Debi McEwen

Saskatchewan Justice

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6043

e-mail: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca