Released on April 9, 2001
Finance Minister Eric Cline today announced measures that will providegreater independence for Saskatchewan's Provincial Auditor.
The changes come about through amendments to The Provincial Auditor Act,
introduced in the assembly for first reading April 9th.
Cline said the legislation serves a number of purposes. "It ensures the
Provincial Auditor is chosen through an independent selection and
appointment process. It provides for a ten-year term of office. It also
provides for independent approval of the auditor's budget by the Public
Accounts Committee, an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly, and
legislates strengthened reporting requirements for the Provincial Auditor."
Cline said he was particularly pleased the amendments had the support of
the Provincial Auditor. "The Provincial Auditor has been fully consulted
from the start of this process. Drafts of this bill have been provided for
his review and comment, and we have tried very hard to address any issues
he has raised. The legislation also reflects the recommendations of the
all-party Public Accounts Committee."
"I support the amendments because they maintain the government's
accountability to the Legislative Assembly and improve the Provincial
Auditor's independence," Acting Provincial Auditor Fred Wendel said.
"Also, the process leading up to the bill was reasonable, with appropriate
consultation."
The bill fulfills a commitment made in the 2001 Throne Speech to work
toward improved accountability. "We share with the Provincial Auditor the
goal of continuing to improve the management of public funds," Cline said.
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For more information, contact:
Roy Schneider
Saskatchewan Finance
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8109