GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES INITIATIVES TO ENHANCE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The Government of Saskatchewan is implementing additional initiatives to help prevent, detect and report incidents of financial irregularities or misuse of public funds.

The Government is firmly committed to being accountable to the public when major incidents are found. Since major cases were discovered in 2004-05, the affected departments and Executive Government have taken a number of specific measures in response to reviews of these specific cases. These enhancements will build on an already strong government-wide financial management system.

"Transparency and financial accountability have been the hallmarks of the NDP government since the early 1990's," Finance Minister Andrew Thomson said. "This Government is committed to safeguarding the money belonging to the people of Saskatchewan."

The initiatives include:

• Improved training programs for managers and administrators;

• Enhanced internal audit functions;

• Regular reporting of all incidents involving over $500 by the Provincial Comptroller to the Public Accounts Committee; and

• Partnerships with public accounting firms where an external opinion or review may be of benefit.

Crown Investments Corporation will establish a comparable policy of reporting to the Chair of the Legislative Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies. CIC will also strengthen the internal audit function for the Crown sector.

"Saskatchewan Finance, through the office of the Comptroller, will continue to work closely with government departments and agencies to minimize risks and strengthen accountability," Thomson concluded.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mike Woods Finance Regina Phone: (306) 787-6578