The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it will be following up on the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations contained in the recent performance audit respecting Administration of Crown Lands. The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture effectively manages the administration of Crown lands. The Public Accounts Committee shares concerns of the Auditor General regarding systematic issues, insufficient policies and procedures, as well as confusion about complaints management, enforcement and inspection processes.

The Public Accounts Committee met with the Auditor General recently to discuss the findings and recommendations contained in the report. The Committee will be contacting the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture in the near future to request a written action plan for implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations. The Committee advises that officials may be invited to appear at a future public hearing with respect to this matter.

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“The Public Accounts Committee is committed to ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the Legislature and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador in following up on this important matter and looks forward to the co-operation of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture as it conducts its follow-up.”
Pleaman Forsey, MHA
Chair of Public Accounts Committee

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Public Accounts Committee – Work and Proceedings