REGINA, Sask., March 19, 2014 – Acting Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson is pleased with the Government of Saskatchewan’s changes to its 2014-15 budget documents and its plans to have Public Accounts – Volume 1 include only the Summary Financial Statements. The changes result in the Government providing a single provincial budget – the Summary Budget. “These are critical steps in eliminating confusion and helping legislators and the public better understand the Government’s finances,” Ferguson states. “Our Office strongly supports these changes.”
The new format of the 2014-15 Budget shows that the Government has addressed – or has plans to address – several of the recommendations made in the Provincial Auditor’s 2013 Special Report – The Need to Change – Modernizing Government Budgeting and Financial Reporting in Saskatchewan. “Our Office recognizes that implementing the remaining recommendations may take time,” says Ferguson. “The changes will help provide the public with complete, clear, and accurate financial information for the entire government that is easier to understand. Continuing to implement the recommendations in the 2013 Special Report will further enhance the Government’s financial reporting going forward.”
The Office of the Provincial Auditor serves the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the people of Saskatchewan by providing independent assurance and advice on the management, governance, and effective use of public resources.
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For more information, contact:
Ms Judy Ferguson, FCA
Acting Provincial Auditor Saskatchewan
1500-1920 Broad Street
Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 3V2
Telephone: 306-787-6398
Fax: 306-787-6383