Auditor General Releases Phase Two of Special Report

Auditor General Jacques Lapointe released the second phase of his special report on the audit of the economic stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program today, Oct. 1.

Mr. Lapointe said the report, with results from the second phase of his examination of certain aspects of the province's immigration program, confirms previous findings of significant deficiencies in the management and implementation of the program.

He said there were weaknesses in the selection processes for both nominees and mentors, adding that the audit also identified inappropriate activity and areas of concern with the roles of agents and mentors and disbursements from the trust.

"During the course of our audit we became aware of a number of matters that appeared irregular and that we felt required further attention," Mr. Lapointe said. "We pursued these matters as far as reasonable within the scope of our audit. However, we felt that further work in these areas would go beyond the scope of our audit.

"Without making any judgment on the issues so identified, we referred the matters to the RCMP for their review, as is our professional responsibility."

Mr. Lapointe said he would make no further statement related to any matter referred to the RCMP.

The full report is available on the auditor general's website at www.oag-ns.ca, or by contacting the Office of the Auditor General at 902-424-5907 or e-mail <oaginfo@gov.ns.ca.>