Amendments to the Auditor General for Local Government Act that will strengthen governance and accountability were introduced today by Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

When the B.C. auditor general for local government (AGLG) was initially launched in January 2013, it was the first of its kind in Canada. Like any new, leading-edge office there have been lessons learned. The proposed amendments will build on the steps already taken to strengthen the office and position it for success moving forward. The amendments will clarify the relationships between the minister, audit council and AGLG, and support them in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities.

The amendments:

• Clarify the terms and conditions of employment for the AGLG;
• Strengthen the audit council’s authority to review and monitor the performance of the AGLG;
• Enhance the minister’s authority to review the AGLG act and the functioning of the office; and,
• Require that the AGLG consult with the Union of British Columbia municipalities prior to developing the performance audit program.

The AGLG will retain the sole discretion to select the performance audits to be undertaken.

Quotes:

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Peter Fassbender –

“These amendments strengthen the relationships between the auditor general for local government, the audit council, the minister, and local governments. They align with recommendations of both the independent review of the AGLG initiated by the audit council and with the recommendations in UBCM’s Auditor General for Local Government: Perspectives on Operations report. The amendments build on the momentum established under the acting AGLG, Arn van Iersel, and the recent announcement of Gordon Ruth as the new AGLG. The office is now well-positioned for the long term to help local governments improve their operations and deliver services more efficiently, effectively and economically.”

Chair, auditor general for local government audit council, Tony Ariganello –

“The amendments improve the accountability framework for the auditor general and specifically strengthen the audit council’s role with regard to the AGLG’s performance. Our goal is to ultimately support the work of the office and its work with local governments that benefits all British Columbians.”