Understanding Public Accounts
From time to time, it comes to my attention that constituents may have questions about a certain aspect of our legislative process. I encourage anyone to ask questions to help be informed. Government can be complex and the more familiar we are with our legislative system, the better we are able to meaningfully participate in the democratic process to make a positive difference.
There are several legislative committees associated with different operational aspects of Government. These committees are made up with the intent of reviewing, researching, making recommendations and providing direction on government programs. They consist of representatives from elected members of the Assembly of all political parties. A part of my legislative responsibilities in the Assembly is being a member on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. As such, I thought I would offer an insight into the work of this important committee.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is the audit committee for the Legislative Assembly. Its primary responsibility is to scrutinize the Government of Saskatchewan’s fiscal management, administration, and handling of public assets, and to review the Provincial Auditor’s Reports.
In carrying out its role, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts focuses on the efficiency with which the government administers its programs. It does not concern itself with the appropriateness of government policy. This “non-policy” review fosters the development of a non-partisan approach within the committee in which to address problems and seek solutions. The Standing Committee Public Accounts is one of the province’s oldest committees. It can trace its history to 1888, when the Assembly of the Northwest Territories first created a public accounts committee.
For each fiscal year ending on March 31st, Public Accounts contains Summary Financial Statements which provide an accounting of the financial affairs and resources of the Government, as well as an overview of the Government’s performance. This includes information on its assets, liabilities, net debt and accumulated surplus (deficit).
This information is then used to evaluate the Government’s ability to meet its financial commitments, and assess the ability to provide future services, such as health, education, social assistance, economic growth, infrastructure, environment, and public safety in a responsible and acceptable process. The financial statements demonstrate the accountability of the resources that are provided to the Government and those used by the Government by showing results for the current year, prior year, and budgeted revenues and expenses.
The information contained in Public Accounts and the Provincial Budget is used by bond agencies who assign the province’s credit rating. One such agency, Moody’s Investors Service, has recently reaffirmed a triple-A credit rating score for Saskatchewan, the highest possible rating.
In reviewing Provincial Auditor’s Reports, the work of the Public Accounts Committee is aimed at understanding, assessing and correcting the inadequacies identified in those reports. Once the Standing Committee on Public Accounts has reviewed the Public Accounts or the Reports of the Provincial Auditor, it reports its observations, opinions and recommendations to the Legislative Assembly.
As always, if you have feedback or require assistance with Government of Saskatchewan programs or services, please contact the Moose Jaw North Constituency Office at 326 B High Street West, by phone at 306-692-8884, or by e-mail at moosejawnorthmla@shaw.ca.