AANDC to Begin Posting Summary Recipient Audit Results on a Quarterly Basis
Regular posting of recipient audit information is consistent with the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability
March 31, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting democratic, transparent and accountable First Nation governments. To that end, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada will begin posting the summaries of audits conducted on recipients of federal funds.
Canadians, including members of First Nation communities and organizations, have the right to know that their tax dollars are being used to improve community living conditions and to create jobs and economic opportunities for community members and their families.
By making a summary of the audit results public, the federal government is helping to ensure that all community members have greater access to their communities’ financial information. Audit findings and recommendations are also a tool that can be beneficial to funding recipients, as they may assist them in identifying areas for improvement in their current management practices and financial controls.
Quick facts
- A recipient audit is an independent assessment to provide assurance of a recipient’s compliance with a funding agreement and may address any or all financial and non-financial aspects of the funding agreement.
- The management letter is sent by the Department to the recipient and summarizes the audit findings and recommendations.
- Bill C-27, First Nations Financial Transparency Act, received Royal Assent on March 27, 2013. The Act strengthens transparency and accountability by requiring First Nations to publish the annual audited consolidated financial statements they prepare, as well as a schedule of chiefs’ and councillors’ salaries and expenses. First Nations will be required to publish their annual audited consolidated financial statements by July 29, 2014.
Quotes
“Our Government believes that Aboriginal peoples, like all Canadians, deserve transparency and accountability from their elected officials. By making recipient audit summaries public, we are ensuring that community members are informed of their community’s financial situation and that their elected officials have the appropriate management mechanisms in place.”
– Bernard Valcourt, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister
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Additional links
Contacts
Erica Meekes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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