(Chapter 7—Special Examinations of Crown Corporations—2008 - Spring 2009 Report of the Auditor General)
Ottawa, 12 May 2009—In her Report tabled today in the House of Commons, the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser, included an overview of the special examinations of Crown corporations completed in 2008. The Report notes that three of the eight Crown corporations that underwent special examinations in 2008 had significant deficiencies.
“Crown corporations represent a significant part of federal government activity, and special examinations are an important mechanism in their accountability,” said Ms. Fraser.
A special examination examines the systems and practices of a Crown corporation that are key to providing it with reasonable assurance that its assets are safeguarded and controlled, its resources are managed economically and efficiently, and its operations are carried out effectively. A significant deficiency is a major weakness that could prevent the corporation from having that assurance.
Until recently, Crown corporations were required to undergo special examinations at least every five years. In 2009, legislation extended this to at least every 10 years. Boards of directors must also submit special examination reports to the appropriate minister and the President of the Treasury Board within 30 days of receiving them, and must make the reports available to the public within 60 days.
The chapter includes the Main Points from the Auditor General’s special examination reports issued in 2008 on eight Crown corporations: Canada Council for the Arts, Defence Construction (1951) Limited, The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, International Development Research Centre, Pacific Pilotage Authority, Parc Downsview Park Inc., and VIA Rail Canada Inc. The corporations have posted the full special examination reports on their websites.
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The chapter “Special Examinations of Crown Corporations—2008” is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
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