NSFL Calls for More Transparency and Accountability in Government Spending

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) is deeply concerned by the findings in the Auditor General’s report, released today. The report highlights significant issues with transparency and accountability in how the provincial government manages public funds, says Danny Cavanagh, the Federation’s president.

“This report also raises serious questions about how our government is spending taxpayers’ money and we need to know that every dollar is being used wisely and in the best interests of Nova Scotians,” says Cavanagh.

The NSFL is particularly troubled by the Auditor General’s findings regarding the following:

The report shows that the government spends money beyond its approved appropriation without transparency. The NSFL supports the Auditor General’s recommendations to strengthen the Finance Act and make provisions to give the public reasons for such excess expenditures.

We are concerned that there is a heavy reliance on “alternative procurement.” Awarding contracts without a complete and open bidding process is a slippery slope that is not transparent. It opens the door to greater risk because merit gets tossed out the window, undermining public trust.

The NSFL demands the government’s immediate action for the following requests:

• Implement the Auditor General’s recommendations to improve transparency and accountability in the Finance Act.
• Review procurement practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and value for money.
• Invest in long-term solutions to address the healthcare crisis, including fair wages and working conditions for all our healthcare professionals.

Cavanagh says taxpayers deserve an open, accountable, and responsible government with their money. “We urge the government to take these findings seriously and act now to restore public trust,” he concludes.