Highlights

Highlights of the Fall 2012 report from federal Auditor General Michael Ferguson:

❚ The federal government hasn’t kept a commitment to make public its analysis of long-term fiscal sustainability, even though many other OECD nations publish such reports at regular intervals. Late Tuesday, the government released a report on the economic and fiscal implications of Canada’s aging population.

❚ The government has kept most promises it made to reform its grants and contributions program, which an independent panel recommended in 2006. In 2010-11, the government handed out about $37 billion in grants or contributions to external groups. ❚ The government committed $1.2 billion to two key transfer programs in the aerospace sector — including the Bombardier CSeries aircraft program — but can’t adequately determine whether program objectives and outcomes are being met or benefits secured.

❚ Critical computer infrastructure in Canada is threatened by hackers and industrial spies, and the government’s attempts to help protect the power grid, banking and other important systems, along with its own information systems, are not “fully operational.”

❚ Support programs, benefits and services meant to help injured or sick Canadian Forces personnel make a successful transition back to civilian life are often “complex, lengthy and challenging” with many veterans unable to gain access to the supports they need.

❚ The Department of National Defence’s management of its own property, a portfolio valued at more than $22 billion, has been “cumbersome and lengthy.” Construction projects valued at more than $5 million took an average of six years to complete.