ST. PETERS COLLEGE PLACED UNDER STRICT CONTROLS BY MINISTER

Audits Conclude St. Peters College Financial Controls are Lacking

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration (AEEI) has released the audit reports on Carlton Trail Regional College (CTRC) and St. Peter's College (SPC).

KPMG has determined that St. Peter's financial practices do not meet the standard of public transparency and accountability and as a result, the ministry has placed St. Peter's College on probation with respect to public funding. The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will act as an administrator for St. Peter's College and all public funding will flow through the university. The ministry has sought and received a commitment of full co-operation from SPC to correct the deficiencies identified in the auditor's report.

"We had a responsibility to follow up on allegations raised during public consultations on the proposed merger of the two colleges, to determine what happened and to ensure that appropriate controls and procedures are in place to protect public dollars, and the education of our post-secondary students," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said.

Deloitte and Touche has determined that Carlton Trail Regional College has the appropriate financial controls in place and all its public dollars are accounted for, is delivering stable, effective programs which meet the needs of its students, and is positioned to recruit and select a new board and CEO.

"These reviews were necessary to ensure all public funds are accounted for and the post-secondary system is operating in the best interests of students," Norris said. "I am now fixing apparent weaknesses and gaps within the ministry and I am putting best practices in place across our post-secondary system. Based on these recommendations, my next step is to ensure the implementation of an action plan with our post-secondary partners."

For copies of the audit report, visit www.Aeei.gov.sk.ca/spc-ctrc-actions.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926