Auditor General #1

NS: Province agrees to give auditor general more access
By Staff, Transcontinental Media

Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 2, 2010

[HALIFAX, NS] — In response to the auditor general’s report released today, Finance Minister Graham Steele says the province plans to introduce legislation this fall that will provide the auditor general with more access to government documents protected by cabinet and solicitor-client privilege.

“Clearly, the government and the auditor general both want the same thing,” said Steele. “This is a complex issue that will take time to resolve. Discussions with the auditor general will continue this summer with the goal of introducing legislation in the fall. That legislation will allow the auditor general to access the documents he requires to complete his audits.”

Steele said the government wants to provide the access sought by the auditor general while, at the same time, putting in place protections that ensure the auditor general cannot be compelled to release cabinet documents and information protected by solicitor-client privilege to outside parties.

“We will ensure that the auditor general can effectively and efficiently carry out his duties under the act while at the same time protecting the ability of cabinet, departments and government agencies, boards and commissions to receive the best advice.”

The government plans to adopt a similar approach to other jurisdictions to ensure the auditor general has access to information. This will be accomplished through a limited waiver that extends cabinet and solicitor client privilege to the auditor general. This approach will ensure the auditor general is not compelled to release privileged documents.