Statement from HRM Chief Administrative Officer Richard Butts Regarding Office of the Auditor General Report: June 7, 2011

(June 7, 2011) - Earlier today the HRM Auditor General presented a report to Regional Council respecting concerts held on the North Common. The role of the Auditor General is to assist the Municipality - Council and the Administration - in holding the organization accountable for the quality of stewardship over public funds and for the achievement of value for money. This is an important role for an organization the size and scope of HRM.

In my view, the report released today speaks to three main areas: organizational culture, management oversight, and process controls. After an initial review of the report, it is my opinion that the recommendations are reasonable. This report presents an opportunity for HRM, and as a mature organization; it is our responsibility to acknowledge that. The recommendations provide us an opportunity to learn from our past experiences and create an even stronger organization for the future.

Like any organization, we have room for improvement. The HRM Administration is committed to making those improvements, to the best of our ability and within the financial and human resource capacity that we have. To the degree that additional resources or expertise are required, I will be seeking direction from Council.

As an organization committed to continuous improvement, the HRM Administration supports the work of the HRM Auditor General and will thoroughly consider and respond to each recommendation.