QP Auditor General

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: The Auditor General is an independent officer who provides invaluable reports on issues impacting Nova Scotians and oversight of this government, but now this government is changing the rules for dismissing her. Instead of valuing the work of the independent watchdog of government spending and the independent body who evaluates how policies are working, this government is putting the Auditor General on notice. So my question is: What does this government stand to gain from this decision?

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) » : I have great respect for the Office of the Auditor General, the Auditor General, and the work they do. It's really important to taxpayers. I have great respect for that office, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Unfortunately, that response is not believable. The Auditor General has called this government out for a billion . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. There was some disruption. It wasn't over the line, but it was close to it, so as long as we keep it clean: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: The Auditor General has called out this government for $1 billion of out-of-budget spending each year, the violence in public schools, and the tens of millions of dollars spent on Hogan Court. Is this government so worried about public scrutiny that they are willing to threaten her job?

THE PREMIER « » : We welcome it. That's the job of the Auditor General. We have great respect for the Office of the Auditor General, and we look forward to their reports. It's what's in the best interest of taxpayers. The member is referring to investments that we make in Nova Scotians, and I will never apologize for investing in Nova Scotians. We will continue to invest in Nova Scotians, as we have with a $17 billion budget before this House right now. Every single dollar is accounted for. Every single dollar is an investment in Nova Scotians, and I would do it every single day of the week.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: What I am referring to is this government's complete unacceptance of any form of criticism to the extent that they will threaten the job of an independent officer of this Legislature. In a world full of fake news and misinformation, the independent, unbiased work of the Auditor General is more important than ever. Nova Scotians need information they can rely on, not just spin. This government shows time and time again that they do not like transparency, and they do not like criticism. If the Auditor General's job is not in danger, will the Premier explain why he thought it was necessary to change the rules for dismissing her?

THE PREMIER « » : The changes are just to bring things in line with the way it is across the country. There's a number of provinces that have the exact same provisions. The changes are to bring it closer to the conditions with the FOIPOP commissioner, which has very similar commissions, also an officer of the Legislature. We're just trying to normalize things and make it fair for everyone. I will assure Nova Scotians that this government is not afraid of transparency. In fact, we so much welcomed it that we went to the people and asked them how they think we're doing, and they spoke pretty loudly.