Government Releases 2002-03 Accountability Report

TREASURY/POLICY BOARD--Government Releases 2002-03 Accountability Report

The government of Nova Scotia released its third annual accountability report today, Dec. 18, documenting progress on its priorities for the fiscal year 2002-03.

"We are encouraged by the progress we made in 2002-03 on many government priorities," said Michael Baker, chair of Treasury and Policy Board. "Tracking our performance in this way helps us ensure Nova Scotians get the best possible programs and services, in a cost-effective manner."

Government has produced accountability reports in each of the past three years, after passing a law strengthening accountability measures in 2000. Auditor General Roy Salmon, in his annual report released Wednesday, Dec. 17, said he "strongly supports" government's annual accountability reporting initiative.

Highlights of government activities for the 2002-03 year include:

• Achievement of a balanced budget for the first time in 40 years;
• Launch of government's plan, Your Health Matters, to support health and wellness for Nova Scotians'
• Creation of the Department of Energy and ongoing implementation of Nova Scotia's Energy Strategy;
• Release of government's plan to give children a strong educational foundation: Learning For Life, Planning for Student Success;
• Implementation of programs under the Early Childhood Development Initiative;
• Implementation of a Skills Nova Scotia plan to address the labour market issues facing the province;
• Release of a Drinking Water Strategy for Nova Scotia.

In addition to the government Annual Accountability Report, 28 government departments and offices are also publishing accountability reports today, outlining the results from their own 2002-03 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 2002-03, released on Nov. 13, 2003. The public accounts give full details of the government's financial performance.

All accountability reports are published online. Government's Annual Accountability Report is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/govt/accountability/.