Government Releases 2001-02 Accountability

TREASURY/POLICY BOARD--Government Releases 2001-02 Accountability Report

An overview of government's activities and accomplishments for the last fiscal year was released today, Dec. 20, in the 2001-02 Annual Accountability Report.

"We took on many challenging initiatives in our 2001-02 business plan, and this report shows we are getting things done," said Michael Baker, chair of Treasury and Policy Board. "Accountability reporting makes all of us focus on results -- and ultimately that means the best possible programs and services for Nova Scotians."

This is the second year that government has produced a report on results of the previous year's business plan. The report is required by legislation, which was introduced in 2000.

The report provides details of business plan initiatives as well as highlights of significant events in 2001-02, including:

• introduction of a new Employment Support and Income Assistance program;
• launch of a $5-million nursing strategy and a comprehensive physician resource plan;
• release of Nova Scotia's energy strategy;
• introduction of programs to improve the performance of public school students;
• development of a provincial physical activity strategy for children and youth;
• establishment of a Skills Agenda to promote co-ordinated education and training;
• improvements in government services to Nova Scotians, including increased online transactions.

In addition to the government Annual Accountability Report, 24 departments and offices are also publishing accountability reports today outlining the results from their own 2001-02 business plans. Crown corporations are also required to file annual reports, although the timing of publication varies through the year.

The Annual Accountability Report complements the Province of Nova Scotia Public Accounts for the fiscal year 2001-02, also released today. The public accounts gives full details of the government's financial performance.

All accountability reports are published online. Government's Annual Accountability Report is available on its Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/govt/accountability/ . Links to departmental reports are also available on that site.