The numerous veto powers could result in fewer public reports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe most important outcome of our reports are the recommendations to improve government programs and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The potential for these recommendations to remain confidential could limit Government accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, the ability to remove the Auditor General without cause, combined with the ability to control our public reporting, impacts the independence, integrity and objectivity of the Office. In most provinces in Canada, there has to be cause to remove an AG; so Nova Scotia would become an outlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There has been no consultation with our Office on these changes, we didn\u2019t know they were coming, and we had no input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d like to point out, under our existing processes, we already have practices in place to vet the drafts of our reports \u2013 several times, in fact \u2013 prior to release; including the ability to share with Ministers and Executive Council in advance of our reports being tabled in the House of Assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve been here for almost four years and in that time, have made more than 200 recommendations. With a few exceptions, government has agreed to almost all of our recommendations for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We work hard with the departments to make sure our recommendations are reasonable, fair, and practical before we public release our reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout our audit process, I make a point to have open communication with the Deputy Ministers involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yesterday, I met with Government Officials to discuss these changes, and I requested the AG Act <\/em>amendments of Bill 1 be withdrawn. I\u2019ve asked for the ability to consult, to determine if we can mutually address Governments concerns while continuing to maintain the independence of the Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn closing, I want to mention the numerous audits, with significant impacts to Nova Scotians, that this office has completed over the years such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMLA Expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n P3 Schools Audit<\/li>\n\n\n\n Ground Ambulance Service<\/li>\n\n\n\n Violence in Nova Scotia Public Schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n Protection of Children in the Care of the Minister<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWe select audit topics that we feel are are important to Nova Scotians and will result in improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s possible that under these proposed changes, some or all of these audits may not have been made public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s normal that Auditors General and governments, from time to time, may have a difference of opinion; on occasion we agree to disagree. It\u2019s in those instances in particular you need an independent Auditor General.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Kim Adair <\/p>\n\n\n\n
NS Auditor General <\/p>\n\n\n\n
News Conference February 20, 2025 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Original Video: Office of the Auditor General on YouTube <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Audio Edit: Dagley Media<\/p>\n\n\n\n