Annual Report for 2001 Released

Nova Scotia's Auditor General tabled his annual report for 2001 today, Feb. 20. Roy Salmon briefed the Public Accounts Committee on the major findings and recommendations.

The report includes government-wide comments related to accountability information and reporting. A major part of the report is devoted to an audit of government-wide planning and budgeting. The scope of this audit included central government and the three largest departments (Health, Education and Community Services), as well as capital expenditures and the Capital District Health Authority.

The report contains chapters outlining the results of audits in:

• Agriculture and Fisheries, Food Safety;
• Education, Planning for School Capital Expenditures, School Book Bureau;
• Environment and Labour, Occupational Health and Safety - Public Safety;
• Finance, Treasury Management System;
• Justice and Health, Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility and East Coast Forensic Psychiatric Hospital; and
• Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission.

The Auditor General continues to urge government to give priority to the various issues that weaken effective control over the expenditure of public funds. Failure to do so puts at risk the government's ability to achieve its fiscal targets and bring fiscal stability to Nova Scotia.

He acknowledges that significant progress has been made since he became Auditor General in 1992, but the huge deficits and debt incurred in the 1980s and early 1990s represent a significant challenge.

The report is on the government Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/audg/ . Copies are also available through Access Nova Scotia.