BC’s new Auditor-General for Local Government reports to the public, and the public only – that’s what BC’s Minister of Local Govenment says, after Green Party leader Jane Sterk raised concerns about political interference.
Bill Bennett says Basia Ruta does not report to him.
Says Bennett, “I just didn’t want the impression left with the public that somehow or other, I could phone her up and say ‘hey, why don’t you audit the City of Vancouver, you’d have some fun there.’ that’s not how it’s set up to work in the legislation. I wouldn’t do that anyways, but the legislation doesn’t allow it.”
As minister, however, Bennett did have to sign off on her being chosen for the job by an independent audit council — and he can recommend to remove or suspend her.
He announced the new office’s opening in Surrey yesterday.
Ruta’s first audits are set to begin April 30th.
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