Who is the Auditor General?
Phillip D. Peters FCPA, FCA, KC became Alberta’s 12th Auditor General on April 29, 2026.
The Auditor General is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, based on the recommendations of the Legislative Assembly, as outlined in the Auditor General Act. The Auditor General is not under contract with the government, with any political party, nor is he a political party appointee.
Is the Auditor General independent from government?
Yes. The Auditor General is an independent Officer of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly. The Auditor General reports to all Members of the Legislative Assembly. This independence allows the Office to conduct audits and report findings objectively, free from influence by the organizations it audits. As a result, Albertans and Members of the Legislative Assembly can rely on the Office as an independent, credible and trusted source of information about government spending and performance.
Who decides when an Auditor General report is released?
The Auditor General determines when reports are ready for release. While the Auditor General Act establishes the process for providing reports to the Legislative Assembly and the public, it does not restrict report releases to specific dates, times of year, or legislative sessions. Reports are released when they are complete and ready to be provided to the Legislative Assembly.
What authority does the Auditor General have to obtain information under oath?
The Auditor General’s authority to obtain information under oath is found in Section 14.1 of the Auditor General Act. It includes:
- The Auditor General’s Power to Demand Testimony and Records: The Auditor General can require anyone to provide testimony under oath or produce records or evidence related to an audit, examination, or other official duties.
- Enforcement Through the Courts: If someone refuses to comply, the Auditor General can ask the Court of King’s Bench to issue a warrant forcing them to appear.
- Consequences for Non-Compliance: If a person refuses to testify, answer questions, or provide documents, the Court of King’s Bench can hold them in contempt.
- No Right to Refuse on Self-Incrimination Grounds: A person cannot refuse to provide testimony or records just because it might incriminate them or lead to penalties.
Who receives the Auditor General’s reports?
Our reports are made public after tabling in the Legislative Assembly.
We do two types of audits
Financial statement audits provide assurance on the province’s financial statements and those of most provincial agencies, boards, commissions, and regulated funds.
Performance audits examine whether government programs and services are achieving their intended results.
How do audit topics get chosen?
The Auditor General selects audit topics based on factors like financial significance, impact on Albertans, and public interest.
Where can I find the reports of the Auditor General?
You can explore our Reports and our current Recommendations to government on our website.
How do I apply for a job?
Visit Careers to find current openings, learn more about working at the OAG, and explore opportunities for accounting students.
How do I stay informed about the latest news and career opportunities?
You can stay informed about our work by visiting the News and updates section on our website where you can also sign up to receive news and career updates straight to your inbox.
How do I make an audit suggestion?
We want to hear from you. If you contact us with an idea or suggestion, we will consider it during the planning of future audit work. Learn more at Suggest an audit.