New Rules to Hire Auditor General

Treasury Board chair Michael Baker introduced amendments to the Auditor General's Act today, April 27, that would change how Nova Scotia's auditor general is hired and how long he or she could serve the province in that capacity.

If passed, the bill would require a majority vote in the legislature before a candidate could be appointed to the office. The auditor general's appointment would last for 10 years and there would be no option for re-appointment.

Currently, the auditor general is appointed by the Governor in Council and there is no limit on how long he or she can serve. Nova Scotia is the only jurisdiction that does not have a fixed term appointment.

"This bill would bring Nova Scotia in line with other Canadian jurisdictions in how their auditor general is appointed and their term of office," said Mr. Baker. "All three parties have been consulted and support the proposed amendments."

"We appreciate the government's efforts to follow an all-party process in making these changes to the Act and in searching for a new auditor general," said Graham Steele, chair of the public accounts committee.

"The auditor general is an officer of the legislature so it is logical that the members have an active role in selecting Nova Scotia's auditor general; this bill would make that happen," said Danny Graham, a member of the public accounts committee.

The bill would not apply to the current auditor general, Roy Salmon, who has announced that he will retire in March 2006.