Reporting on Selected Payments to MLAs Follow Up

SUMMARY

What we examined

In 2008, we audited systems the Department of Treasury Board and Finance used to prepare its report of payments to MLAs and people directly associated with them. We recommended in our October 2008 Report (starting on page 372), that the Department:

• use current technology in preparing its report
  
• improve the timeliness of the report
  

This year, we conducted follow-up audit work to assess the Department’s progress in implementing our recommendations.

What we found

The Department has implemented both recommendations by implementing new processes to collect and compile information from the departments and Legislative Assembly Office (LAO). The Department also set specific timelines for departments to submit MLA payment information and for MLAs to review and approve the annual report of these payments. As a result, the Department has significantly reduced the time it takes to have the report ready for tabling in the Legislative Assembly.

Why this is important to Albertans

Albertans need to know they can have confidence in the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the Department’s reports of payments the government makes to MLAs.