GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES CHANGES TO FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION ACT

To ensure critical Government payments are made on a timely basis, amendments to The Financial Administration Act were introduced for First Reading today in the Legislature.

"The amendments include changes to provide interim funding at the beginning of the new fiscal year, helping the Government to take care of business," Finance Minister Harry Van Mulligen said.

The change will enable departments and agencies to continue with payments for ongoing programs, at the beginning of a fiscal year, prior to passing an interim supply bill. This only affects existing programs. New programs would continue to require interim supply bills.

Another key amendment establishes authority for one department to provide services to another department and to recover the costs.

"Providing services to or administering grants on behalf of other departments is becoming more common," Van Mulligen said. "Often it's more cost effective, for example, to have an information technology branch supporting more than one department.

The proposed amendments will ensure the Act is keeping pace with changes in accounting practices, while maintaining the balances, checks and controls on spending, Van Mulligen added.

"These amendments demonstrate our Government's continued commitment to sound financial management, accountability, transparency and controlled spending."

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For More Information, Contact:

Debbie Clark Finance Regina Phone: (306) 787-6605