- News Releases
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada—July 8, 2026—Auditor General Phil Peters presented four reports to the Members of the Legislative Assembly today. The reports include:
“I am pleased to report that these important recommendations are being implemented,” said Auditor General Phil Peters. “The role of our office is to identify improvements that benefit Albertans. When government acts on our recommendations in a timely manner, Albertans can have increased confidence in the programs and services they rely on.”
Critical Worker Benefit Program Assessment of Implementation
(Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration)
Our March 2023 audit of the Critical Worker Benefit Program examined whether the department had effective systems to design, deliver, monitor, and report on the program.
“During the pandemic, Albertans relied on workers in many occupations to provide critical services during challenging times,” said Peters. “This program recognized their efforts. We recommended that the department complete processes to verify approved critical workers received their benefit payments.”
The recommendation to complete the payment verification process has now been implemented.
Indigenous Economic Participation Assessment of Implementation (Indigenous Relations) (Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration)
In May 2022, the Auditor General examined whether the departments of Indigenous Relations and Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration had effective processes to assess and report on the results of their programs designed to support economic self-reliance and increased participation by Indigenous Peoples in Alberta’s economy.
“We concluded the departments have processes, but not all these processes were effective and improvements could be made,” said Peters. “With robust performance reporting processes, the departments may better demonstrate how their programs contribute to achieving the government’s desired outcome.”
We made a recommendation to each department to improve their performance reporting process, and both departments have implemented them.
Wetland Replacement Assessment of Implementation
(Environment and Protected Areas)
In our April 2010 audit, we found that the department lacked processes for monitoring the wetland replacement agencies’ responsibilities and did not know if the funds they collected were appropriately spent.
“Without clear agreements and effective monitoring of wetland replacement activities, spending, and success, the department did not know if replacement parties were meeting their responsibilities,” said Peters. “Stronger controls support Alberta’s wetland policy goals.”
We assessed the department’s progress and found that it had implemented our recommendation to improve controls over wetland replacement.
Reports released today are available at oag.ab.ca.
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The Auditor General Act establishes the Office of the Auditor General as independent of government and the organizations it audits. The Act gives our Office the mandate to conduct financial and performance audits, along with the authority to obtain the information needed to provide assurance to Members of the Legislative Assembly and Albertans that public money is properly accounted for and provides value. We are a credible, transparent, and trusted source of information.