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 … [Read more...]
BC Green Party concerned Municipal AG could face interference
January 17, 2013 by
As the new Municipal Auditor General opens her office the BC Green party is worried about political interference. Green Party Leader Jane Sterk says unlike BC's Auditor General Basia Ruta is not technically independent. "Municipal Auditor General is reporting to a minister which means that, that position of Auditor General is very much more … [Read more...]
Municipal auditor begins work
January 17, 2013 by
BC's first Auditor General for Local Government has now set up office in Surrey. Basia Ruta will carry out performance audits of local government operations and will provide recommendations on economy, efficiency, and effectivness. Ruta's only been on the job three days and says her first order of business will be to meet with local … [Read more...]
Municipal Auditor-General well received in many circles
November 9, 2012 by
It seem the Union of BC Municipalities is warming to the idea of an Auditor General for local governments. UBCM President and Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom says there was some initial hesitation, "It was more the process. As soon as we became engaged. And you know, we were able to see some changes in the scope and the accountability of the office. … [Read more...]
Finance minister frustrated by spiralling municipal wages and benefits
July 26, 2012 by
BC's Finance minister says municipal wages and benefits are too high. Kevin Falcon says over the last five years municipal level wages have grown over 20%. "That is just entirely not sustainable it also creates another challenge that we run into the problem where our senior executive talent in government is often being poached by the … [Read more...]
The municipal observer to the RCMP contract talks is still waiting to hear from Ottawa over surprise RCMP wage hikes.
April 11, 2012 by
A week after sending a letter to the Federal Public Safety Minister, after surprise RCMP pay hikes, and there is still no answer from Ottawa. Langley city Mayor, and municipal observer to the RCMP talks, Peter Fassbender says the message from mayors and the province is blunt. He said "We have made it clear minister Bond and her staff … [Read more...]
A municipal by-election is coming after a councillor is tossed by the courts.
February 29, 2012 by
There will be another by-election in BC this time at the municipal level as a Harrison Hot Springs councillor has been tossed out by BC Supreme Court. Andrew Baziuk who finished just 15 votes behind Richard Shelley says the candidate failed to reveal he was a municipal employee. Baziuk said "he was a member of the Harrison Fire … [Read more...]
Municipal vote not so multicultural in B.C.
November 16, 2011 by
VANCOUVER - Drag queen and entertainer by night, coffee shop supervisor and spa worker by day, Travis Shaw didn't lack the necessary confidence to run for a seat on Prince George city council.The 27-year-old who claims First Nations and Chinese ancestry says he's used to being in the public eye. So after deciding he could make a difference in his … [Read more...]
Should Surrey have a Municipal Auditor-General?
November 16, 2011 by
That was one question presented to candidates at a meeting hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade Tuesday evening. While current City Councillor Tom Gill says the Surrey First team supports the position, as long as the Province provides the funding, Independent mayoral candidate, Vikram Bajwa says that role should have been created years … [Read more...]
Municipal spending skyrockets
November 14, 2011 by
Municipal operating spending has ballooned to nearly four times the rate of population growth. That accoding to a new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In their fourth-annual municipal spending watch, the CFIB says while BC's population grew 12-percent between 2000 and 2009, operating spending grew by … [Read more...]
