News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government introduced legislative amendments today to strengthen the role of the auditor general.

The amendments to the Auditor General Act will modernize the act as well as strengthen the independence, authority and mandate of the auditor general.

"This marks the first update to the act in 30 years," said Deputy Premier Paul Robichaud. "Modernizing the Auditor General Act will result in increased accountability and transparency of the provincial government, which will help in rebuilding New Brunswick."

The auditor general is an independent public official solely accountable to the legislative assembly. This official tables a report in the legislative assembly each year, providing an examination of the financial situation of the provincial government. He or she also reports on the effectiveness of selected programs (value-for-money audits) and identifies where the provincial government has fallen short and recommends how it can make improvements.

"The proposed amendments are welcomed and will enhance the ability of our office to fulfil its mandate of ensuring accountability and transparency to the taxpayers of New Brunswick," said  auditor general Kim MacPherson. "The amendments bring us closer in line with legislation in other Canadian jurisdictions."