- THE AUDITOR GENERAL RESPONDS
'I have not recommended and do not support a reduction to the operating appropriation for my office because I think legislators and BC citizens need independent assurances and advice on the performance of government more now than ever. Government is initiating pervasive changes to what it does and how it delivers programs and services. It is doing this during a period of difficult financial pressure, economic uncertainty and unusual political party representation within the Legislative Assembly. I do not think this is the time to weaken the capacity of my office to provide legislators and BC citizens with the independent assurances and advice required to support a meaningful public scrutiny of the performance of government.'
- THE OMBUDSMAN RESPONDS
Kushner states: "As an independent watchdog, my Office was created to ensure that citizens are treated fairly by public agencies. These cuts mean I am no longer able to carry out my mandate in full. I deeply regret the necessity of this action."
Kushner further notes that by 2004, his Office may also have to cease investigating complaints against schools and school boards, hospitals and health authorities, colleges and universities and the Workers' Compensation Board. Although he will continue to investigate complaints against ministries, Crown corporations and some other public agencies. Kushner adds that his inability to continue investigating all agencies within his mandate marks a sad day for public accountability in British Columbia.
- THE PRIVACY COMMISSIONER RESPONDS
The final stage of the budget cuts 'will significantly compromise my ability to discharge my statutary function." (Vancouver Province Jan 3/03, 'Muffling watchdogs yet another low blow from the Liberals' by Michael Smyth)
- CHILDREN'S COMMISSIONER
The children's advocate's office was restructured - it reduced the watchdog from an independent officer of the legislature to one who reports to the government.
- MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
The mental health advocate's office was eliminated.
- VANCOUVER SUN EDITORIAL
'Liberals need more watching, not less' , March 4, 2002 (extract)
'There is a responsibility that comes with an extraordinary majority. Governments that have little elected opposition have an obligation to strengthen independent oversight, not a licence to reduce it.'
- A NEW ERA OF ACCOUNTABILITY
B.C. Liberals envision 'the most open, accountable and democratic government in Canada.'
The New Era Document says a B.C. Liberal government 'will increase funding for the Auditor General's Office, to help identify and prevent waste, and to increase value-for-money.'
But compare their words with their actions as shown in the report below.
- REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE - FINANCE - DECEMBER 2002
In this report of the legislative committee which sets the budgets of the Independent Offices, the committee still talks about 'the move towards an era of more openness and accountability in the province' (p.8) while quietly dismembering the budgets. The committee is composed of 10 Liberals and 1 New Democrat.
- BLINDING THE WATCHDOGS
by David Schreck
GRASSROOTS REACTION SITE - Vancouver-KensingtonE-mail [email protected] to join the Grassroots network
URL: http://www.vcn.bc.ca/grsvk/watchdogs.html