The audit bureau division of the Financial Management Board Secretariat has been conducting a compliance audit of the 1991 and 1992 contribution agreements between the Department of Social Services and the town of Iqaluit. The audit is required under the terms of the agreements. Audit staff reviewed the administration of the financial assistance program and some aspects of the child welfare program.
Work commenced on the audit in November, 1992. The first draft report was forwarded to the town on February 10, 1993. During the week of February 15, 1993, the audit team discussed the draft report with town staff while the auditors were in Iqaluit on another assignment.
On March 11, 1993, management responses to the audit findings were received from the town of Iqaluit. The town's comments resulted in changes to one section of the audit report. On April 8, 1993, a revised draft report was forwarded to the town, and on April 16, final agreement was reached on the new wording.
On April 19, 1993, the draft report including the town's comments was forwarded to the Department of Social Services. Following the department's initial review, several meetings between the auditors and Social Services' staff members took place during May, 1993, to consider the audit findings. The department then indicated it would prepare written comments.
The department's written comments were received on October 18, 1993. As a courtesy, on November 10, 1993, a complete draft report, incorporating the comments provided by both the town and the department, was forwarded to the town of Iqaluit for final review. The town was asked to indicate any concerns it might have with the department's comments by November 30.
It is expected that the final report on this audit will be issued to the Minister of Social Services by December 10, 1993.