‘It’s business as normal for us’
Nova Scotia auditor general shrugs off Premier Stephen McNeil’s criticisms
Nova Scotia’s auditor general attached a firm figure Wednesday to how worried he is by the premier’s suggestions he strayed from his mandate in a report identifying gaps in the province’s health system.
Michael Pickup said it was “zero.” Liberal Premier Stephen McNeil had criticized Pickup last week after the watchdog was critical of the province’s communications on health policy. The premier said the auditor general’s job is to ensure the government is spending taxpayers’ dollars appropriately.
But Pickup told the public accounts committee Wednesday that he’s just pleased all 21 of his report’s recommendations are being accepted by the Health Department and the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
“In terms of the work we’re doing, I have zero concern or worry we’re outside of mandate,” he told David Wilson, an NDP opposition member who directly asked him about McNeil’s comments.
“Clearly we are inside mandate and if it gives me an opportunity ... to engage in discussion, and people are interested in an audit, I’m happy.”
The auditor general’s Nov. 22 report also pointed out shortcomings in mental health and homecare.
Pickup said public agencies have done a poor job communicating the government’s plan to address problems in primary care, including doctor shortages. He recommended the province bring in a plan that would inform people on doctor recruitment goals, and when people should expect services to be available.