Provincial auditor listens to media concerns

Saskatchewan politics is filled with random events. In this weekly feature, political reporter D.C. Fraser shares some of those stories.

PROPS TO PROVINCIAL AUDITOR, NOT TO GOVERNMENT MINISTERS

I have been critical of the provincial auditor’s office for not giving reporters enough time to read her reports before they are publicly available.

Generally her reports are 300-pages long, filled with critiques of the provincial government. In the past, reporters only get about two hours to read it, write advanced stories on it and prepare informed questions to ask the auditor.

I argued last June that is hardly enough time, and the public suffers as a result.

To Auditor Judy Ferguson’s credit, her office responded to that criticism by telling me they would re-evaluate the practice. In November, her office informed me no other auditor in Canada releases reports 24 hours in advance; but they took tangible steps to improve the situation.

When her latest report was released last week, it came to reporters an hour earlier than it usually does (giving us more time to prepare). Her office also made a digital copy available earlier (another new feature).

I’ll suggest this is still not ideal — digesting that amount of detailed information in three hours is still a tall order — but it is a step in the right direction.

Since I am on the subject, I will again point out how it is wrong for the Sask. Party government to put up civil servants, rather than elected officials, to be held accountable for the failings pointed out in Ferguson’s report.

Ministers are responsible and accountable for their files, but use civil servants as a shield from the auditor’s criticism.

This shows an unwillingness to be held accountable in the face of criticism, and we should expect more of our government leaders.

CONTINUING BILLBOARD OBSESSION

I had a realization that I spend a great deal of space in this column writing about political billboards — but I find them interesting, so … here we go.

Regina-university MLA Tina Beaudry-mellor has a holiday-themed billboard on the corner of Albert Street and Gordon Road, featuring the Saskatchewan Party colours.

Regina-rochdale MLA Laura Ross continues to have a billboard on Lewvan Drive. The latest iteration is coloured red and white, featuring no Sask. Party branding.

Sources tell me that years ago, something so significantly off-brand would not be allowed. It’s likely paid for by her constituency, so rules dictate she can’t mention the premier or party explicitly — but given she had a similar off-brand billboard this spring, I’m curious to know what is going on here.

HOCKEY NIGHT IN SASKATCHEWAN POLITICS

A few weeks ago, members of the Saskatchewan Party and NDP squared off in a mostly-friendly game of hockey. Both teams had media representation (to stay fair and balanced) and support from party supporters to fill out their rosters.

The Sask. Party team did a pretty good job of finding some highly skilled supporters, and have several members who are very good hockey players (a few of whom played highly-competitive hockey).

The NDP had a few good ringers as well, but not as many MLAS with hockey talent. Special shout-out to Regina-northeast MLA Yens Pedersen, who played well for someone who was still trying to figure out which way he shoots during warm-ups.

The Sask. Party won in the end — I’m told the teams are now tied in their series.

Ministers are responsible and accountable for their files, but use civil servants as a shield.