Annual Accountability Report Released

The government of Nova Scotia has released its Annual Accountability Report for the fiscal year 2000-01 -- the first under government's expanded accountability framework.

"This report demonstrates our commitment to being accountable to Nova Scotians," said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for Treasury and Policy Board. "It gives Nova Scotians the opportunity to judge if government is on the right track in meeting their priorities. It also helps government identify how we can improve our efforts to meet our goals."

Government passed legislation in 2000 requiring annual accountability reports to be produced each year. Departments are also required to produce the reports. Select agencies and Crown corporations will file them in future years.

The report reflects on The Course Ahead, government's business plan for 2000-01, which proposed a range of measures to make programs and services more effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of Nova Scotians.

It covers the fiscal year up to the end of March 2001 and outlines many significant accomplishments, including:

• restructuring of government
• full adoption of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and other financial accountability measures
• closing down Sydney Steel
• Health Authorities Act
• launch of single-entry access project in continuing care
• Employment Support and Income Assistance Act
• end of P-3 construction process
• creation of Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning
• release of Economic Growth strategy
• Nova Scotia Business Inc. legislation

"We had ambitious plans in 2000-01 and I am pleased to say we made great progress in achieving them," said Mr. Baker. "The foundation built in that year will leave a positive legacy for many years to come."

The departmental reports refer to their business plans and provide additional detail on the highlights offered in the government report. They are published on department Web sites.

The Annual Accountability Report complements the Province of Nova Scotia Public Accounts for the fiscal year 2000-01, which gives full details of the government's financial performance. That report was released on Nov. 16.

The Annual Accountability Reports are available on the Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/govt/accountability/ .