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A recent initiative from the Nova Scotia government has sparked concern over the potential erosion of the auditor general’s independence. The proposal, brought forth in an omnibus bill, would grant the government the authority to terminate the auditor general without cause, contingent upon a two-thirds majority vote in the legislature. This development has raised alarms for democracy advocates like Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch, who labels it a significant political threat to the role of the auditor general.
In addition to this controversial dismissal provision, Premier Tim Houston’s administration is aiming to revise the Auditor General Act. One key change includes instituting a mandatory two-week period for the auditor to present findings to the government prior to their public release.
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The proposed legislation also empowers the government to withhold findings under the guise of public interest, safety, or legal privilege. Kim Adair, the current auditor general, articulated her concerns in a statement, noting that she was not involved in discussions about these modifications. She has plans to meet with government officials to assess the implications these changes might have on the autonomy of her office and its procedural integrity.
Highlighting the pivotal role of her office, Adair’s previous reports have frequently criticized the Progressive Conservative government for its substantial off-budget expenditures. These reports emphasize that Nova Scotia stands out as the only province that permits excessive spending without legislative oversight.
The existing framework for the auditor general stipulates ten-year terms, with removal only permissible through a two-thirds legislative vote, specifically for “cause or incapacity.” The current discussions and proposed reforms could thus lead to significant alterations in how fiscal accountability is maintained in Nova Scotia.
This content has been adapted from The Canadian Press, originally published on February 19, 2025.
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globalnews.ca