Annual Report for 2000 Released

Auditor General Roy Salmon tabled his annual report for 2000 and briefed the Public Accounts Committee on the major findings and recommendations today.

The report outlines the results of audits in the departments and agencies, in the specific areas listed below:

• Community Services - Grants to Organizations Providing Family and Children''s Services

• Education - Halifax Regional School Board and Chignecto- Central Regional School Board

• Grants to Universities

• Health - Cape Breton Healthcare Complex

• Emergency Health Services

• Physician Alternative Funding Initiatives

• Housing and Municipal Affairs (now service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations) - Land Information Services

• Crown agencies and corporations - Nova Scotia Liquor Commission

As well, government-wide audits of accountability information and reporting and user fees were conducted.

While acknowledging that improvements continue to be made in various aspects of management within government, the Auditor General pointed to areas where deficiencies in planning, budgeting, systems and control processes as well as in accountability relationships, communications and coordination are hindering decision making.

As a result, the government''s ability to carry through with its commitment to achieve the Fiscal Management Task Force''s recommendation to balance the budget by 2002-03 is at risk. Without adequate systems and information, decision making is impaired and achieving the goal of a balanced budget while delivering the most important services cost effectively is extremely difficult.

Copies of the report are available through Access Nova Scotia as well as on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/legi/audg/ .