Amendments to Housing Development Corporation and Social Workers Acts Introduced

Amendments to legislation that will improve the audit process for the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation and change some of the rules governing social workers in Nova Scotia were introduced today, Oct. 14, by Community Services Minister David Morse.

An amendment to the Housing Development Corporation Act will allow auditing of the corporation's accounts to be performed by any auditor licensed under the Public Accountants Act. Currently only the auditor general is able to perform audits of the Housing Development Corporation.

"These audits have become increasingly complex since the signing of the federal-provincial social housing agreement in 1998, and we recognize that completing them has strained the resources of the auditor general's office," said Mr. Morse. "This amendment will ensure the audits are completed in a timely, cost-efficient and effective manner."

The minister also introduced amendments to the Social Workers Act. The Council of Nova Scotia Social Workers Association requested changes to the act that will allow board members to be reappointed for three terms instead of two; allow people who have completed the requirements for their social work degree to be able to register without delay as candidates for membership; and require members of other social work associations to have a minimum of two years work experience before being admitted as members and being able to practise in Nova Scotia.

"Social workers in our province have a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities right across Nova Scotia," said Mr. Morse. "We are pleased to follow the recommendations of the council on amendments that will strengthen the act."