Auditor General follows up on recommendations: highlights gap in processes to manage reporting performance results to Albertans; Victims of Crime Fund recommendation implemented

EDMONTON, AB — November 18, 2024 — A report released today by the Auditor General of Alberta follows up on the implementation of recommendations from two previous reports.

Reporting Performance Results to Albertans (Treasury Board and Finance)

In 2014, the Auditor General examined the quality of overall results analysis information publicly reported to Albertans through ministry annual reports and a recommendation was made to improve ministry analysis reporting. A 2019 followup audit found these processes had still not been implemented.

Upon completion of the most recent assessment of implementation in 2024, the department informed the Auditor General that it will not be implementing our recommended compliance monitoring process. It indicated that there is no current government directive to monitor whether ministries are complying with reporting standards. The department further states it doesn’t have the authority to monitor ministries’ compliance with reporting standards. This recommendation is now assessed as Not Implemented and it will remain part of the Auditor General’s total outstanding recommendations.

“Best practice of any organization is to assess compliance with policies, practices, and guidance to ensure their objectives are achieved,” said Auditor General Doug Wylie. “Given the importance of performance reporting and accountability, my office will add a compliance component to our performance audit work and report publicly on compliance with government performance reporting standards and best practices.”

Since 2019, the department has improved processes related to performance reporting guidance and training. The department also created a self-assessment tool to guide each ministry when preparing their annual reports.

Victims of Crime and Public Safety Fund—Systems to Manage Sustainability and Assess Results (Public Safety and Emergency Services)

“The department has implemented our February 2016 recommendation to develop and approve a business plan with measurable desired results for the Victims of Crime and Public Safety Fund,” said Auditor General Doug Wylie.

In a 2021 Assessment of Implementation by the Auditor General, the department still did not have an approved business plan for the fund. As a result, there had not been the intended reporting of results and whether the objectives of the fund were being met. The recommendation was repeated. Since that time, the department decided to plan for and report on the fund within established business planning processes, rather than through a separate business plan. This ensures the work is integrated with similar services and allows the department to leverage related programs, skills, and resources.

Management is responsible for implementing Auditor General recommendations. The Auditor General examines implementation plans and performs procedures to determine whether management has implemented the recommendations when management has asserted they have been implemented. The reports are available at www.oag.ab.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Cheryl Schneider, Executive Director, Engagement and Communications
Mobile: 780-399-0554 | Telephone: 780-422-8375
Email: cschneider@oag.ab.ca

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