PACP Committee News Release
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Standing Committee on Public Accounts |
HOUSE OF COMMONS CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES OTTAWA, CANADA K1A 0A6 |
Comité permanent des comptes publics |
For immediate release
NEWS RELEASE
Misuse of Public Funds at Small Agencies Unacceptable: Committee Report
Ottawa, February 25, 2008 -
Small agencies need better oversight to prevent the misuse of public funds, according to a report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts tabled in the House of Commons today by Chair Shawn Murphy, MP.
An audit by the Office of the Auditor General found that the former Correctional Investigator, Ronald Stewart, committed serious abuses and wrongdoing, resulting in substantial personal benefit. The audit also found that the service provider, Public Safety, did not challenge any of the improper activities and payments. Mr. Stewart has since repaid the government the pre-tax equivalent of $112,000.
“The Committee was disturbed not just with the actions of the former Correctional Investigator,” said Mr. Murphy. “It was also displeased with the lack of oversight provided by the service provider and the central agencies. They must also share some of the blame when things go wrong.”
The Committee recommended that the government provide an explanation of why the former Correctional Investigator was not required to repay all of the questionable benefits he received. Additionally, it recommended that the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council Office do a better job at ensuring that small agencies receive proper guidance and oversight.
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