Finally, on that topic, Mr. Chairman, in its discussion with Mr. Lovely, deputy minister of Personnel, the committee Members noted that his department was moving ahead vigorously to correct a number of inadequacies pointed out by the Auditor General. Changes recently introduced should significantly reduce travel costs. The committee wishes to commend Mr. Lovely and his department for their decisive action.
The next area that our committee looked at, which was reported in the Auditor General's report, was the role and responsibilities for government-wide financial management. In preparing for the public hearing, the committee requested a presentation on the roles and responsibilities of government's senior financial managers. While committee Members appreciated the presentation, they noted some differences in the interpretation among some of the participants about how the role should be defined. In addition, there seemed to be lack of clarity about the relationship and responsibilities of departmental managers and managers within central agencies. The committee is particularly concerned about the role of the comptroller general. The control function of his office is weak. It should be significantly strengthened. The committee noted that the Financial Administration Act empowers the comptroller general with direct action capability, but in practice, the role has been reduced to more of an advisory role analogous to a slap on the wrist when things go wrong. In the committee's view, this is not adequate, and the independence and the role of the comptroller general needs to ensure that systems and processes protect public property. The committee feels that roles and responsibilities should be clarified, especially to deal more effectively with financial restraint. We therefore have a recommendation to that effect, Mr. Chairman.
Motion To Accept Recommendation 14, Carried
I move recommendation 14. Government should strengthen the roles and responsibilities of the deputy minister of Finance and the comptroller general. The role of the comptroller general should be made more independent of Finance, and the accountability of the incumbent should be spelled out more clearly. Both the deputy minister and the comptroller general should become more pro-active in dealing with spending problems, and they should ensure that all departments obtain value for money.