2015 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada—Auditor General calls for prompt action to prevent today’s issues from becoming tomorrow’s problems

2015 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada Auditor General calls for prompt action to prevent today’s issues from becoming tomorrow’s problems

Ottawa, 28 April 2015—In his Spring 2015 Reports tabled today in Parliament, Auditor General of Canada Michael Ferguson presents the results of seven audits completed by his Office since last fall. Excerpts of the special examination reports of the Canada Lands Company Limited and the Royal Canadian Mint are also included.

The audits looked at the management of antimicrobial resistance, reporting requirements, tax-based expenditures, health services for remote First Nations, information technology investments at the Canada Border Services Agency, preparing male offenders for release, and the Office of the Ombudsman for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces.

“Of the seven audits we are reporting on today, some highlight programs or areas of government activities which are not delivering their intended results for Canadians, and where there is a risk that the underlying issues could get worse if they are not addressed quickly,” said Mr. Ferguson.

The national strategy to address antimicrobial resistance is one example. Almost 20 years after the government identified antimicrobial resistance to be a public health priority, there is still no national strategy in place. The audit of the Correctional Service of Canada is another example where it is evident that fewer offenders are getting the benefit of a full planned and gradual release back into society.

“We are concerned that the issues we are seeing today may become bigger problems in the future. It is important for departments to focus on addressing these issues promptly, to avoid bigger problems which will cost more to fix down the road, in terms of time, money and effort,” said Mr. Ferguson.

The Auditor General will be holding a news conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa at 11:30 a.m.

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The 2015 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada are available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada Web site.

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