Legislation to establish B.C.'s first Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG) is back before the legislature today, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Bill 20 is up for second reading as the Province continues to work toward meeting Premier Christy Clark's commitment to establish an Auditor General for Local Government to help ensure that taxpayers' dollars are being used in the most efficient and effective way possible. The bill was first introduced in the legislature on Nov. 24, 2011.

Preparations are underway to set up the AGLG office in Surrey, appoint an Audit Council and begin the search for the AGLG.

The BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA) will post the position of AGLG on its website this week. As well, the BCPSA will be placing advertisements for the position in various newspapers. Pending the legislation being brought into force, applicants would be assessed by the Audit Council once the Province appoints the council's members.

Quotes:

Surrey Mayor Diane Watts -

"All levels of government should continually be looking at ways to increase openness, transparency and accountability, because taxpayers need to know they're getting good value for their money."

Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard -

"I think having an Auditor General for Local Government is part of local government's evolution. We've become larger, taking on more significant capital projects and responsibilities - so we should also have more accountability. It's time for us to have similar reviews as exist of provincial and federal governments, such as an Auditor General."

Quick Facts:

The AGLG would be appointed by Cabinet upon the recommendation of the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development who would receive a recommendation from the Audit Council. The AGLG's term would be for five years, with a maximum of two terms permitted.

Statutory qualifications required for the position of AGLG:

• The person is authorized to be an auditor of a company under section 205 of the Business Corporations Act.

In addition, the person must not be one of the following:

• A candidate for elected public office of any type.
• A holder of elected public office of any type.
• An employee of the Province.
• An employee of a local government.

Other qualifications include:

• Substantive knowledge of financial control, planning and reporting.
• Considerable experience in executive roles and in planning, performing and leading comprehensive, "value-for-money" audits.
• Expert knowledge and experience in the areas of financial management and program and service delivery in the public sector.
• A record of leading professional staff and inspiring confidence in one's leadership.
• A strategic orientation and a record of having resolved complex, contentious issues.
• Demonstrated skills in influence and persuasion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to exercise diplomacy and discretion in all relationships.
• Viewed and respected as a trusted leader of absolute integrity.
• Sound judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to negotiate and work with others.
• Strong conceptual and reasoning skills and high tolerance for ambiguity.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and direct work gained from extensive experience in a large private sector enterprise and/or public sector organization.

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028