Good news from the Province. Most of the current Coquitlam council did not support the establishment of this office, but I was -- and remain -- a big supporter.
Auditor General for Local Government opens office
 |
| Basia Ruta |
SURREY - British Columbia's first office of the Auditor
General for Local Government (AGLG) has opened its doors, announced Minister of
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Bill Bennett today with B.C.'s first
AGLG Basia Ruta alongside.
Recommended by the five-member Audit Council that oversees
the office and subsequently appointed by government, Ruta took up her position
on Jan. 15. The AGLG will conduct performance audits of local government operations
and provide recommendations regarding economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
The opening of the office fulfills a commitment made by
Premier Christy Clark as part of her Families First agenda. It is also an
example of how the government listens to British Columbians, as the idea was originally
suggested by B.C. business groups to provide an additional level of
accountability and transparency for taxpayers.
The first audits will begin by April 30. It will be up to the
AGLG to choose what local government operations to focus on within the framework
of the Auditor General for Local Government Act.
The AGLG will publish an annual service plan that will lay
out the goals and objectives for the coming year and the following two years. The
annual service plan will include the criteria used to determine the need for
and priority of performance audits.
Quotes:
Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural
Development -
"This office is going to make a difference for B.C.
families by making sure local governments are maximizing taxpayers' hard-earned
tax dollars. The bottom line is that it's about accountability to taxpayers.
Basia Ruta is highly qualified and will be an asset for local governments. I look
forward to the benefits Ms. Ruta's work will bring to local governments and
taxpayers alike."
Basia Ruta, auditor general for local government -
"I'm excited to get started in this important and
challenging position. I intend to make sure the AGLG is a valuable and
objective resource for all of British Columbia's local governments, helping
them provide the greatest possible value for every tax dollar they spend. Under
my leadership, this office will be independent, accessible, fair and transparent
as we carry out performance audits of local governments."
Laura Jones, executive vice-president, Canadian Federation
of Independent Business -
"B.C.'s business owners are pleased the government has
shown leadership by establishing an independent Office of the Auditor General
for Local Government. Taxpayer accountability is always welcome. We are hopeful
that municipalities will recognize the opportunity to provide British Columbians
with greater transparency on how their tax dollars are spent and focus on
providing the best value possible."
John Winter, CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce -
"Taxpayers and local governments will see real tangible
benefits with the establishment of the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government.
Taxpayers will see increased transparency and accountability on how their tax
dollars are spent while local governments will have a resource to enhance their
decision-making process through the sharing of best practices."
Peter Fassbender, mayor of Langley -
"As a mayor of a local community I look forward to
working with the new Auditor General for Local Government as we find ways to
validate and improve the efficiency of local government finances. I know local governments
are doing a good job and this office will show their commitment to serve all
taxpayers and citizens interests!"
Learn More: www.aglg.ca
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