Today, the Audit Committee received the semi-annual report on follow-up procedures from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). The report highlights past audits and whether recommendations have been fully implemented. It classified seven City audits that have yet to implement recommendations as high-risk for not meeting timelines.
While some of these have been completed since the Auditor General’s report, the City expects to address all past due recommendations from the following audits before the end of 2024.
- Corporate security
- City estimates
- Cybersecurity investigation
- Public Works and Environmental Services Department – Frozen services and hydrant management and maintenance
- Public Works and Environmental Services Department – Contract management
- Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and Shenkman Arts Centre
The OAG has yet to review 170 City recommendations issued since 2018. As of December 31, 2022, the City has indicated 62 of those 170 recommendations are complete, 50 are past due and 58 are not yet due. Until the backlog of unassessed recommendations has been reduced, the OAG will focus on reviewing recommendations identified by management as being fully actioned.
The Committee also received the Auditor General’s report on the fraud and waste hotline. Of 210 unique reports received in 2022, 22 were deemed to be substantiated. Investigations resulted in two employees being terminated, three resigning and two being suspended without pay. Other disciplinary actions included suspension with pay, recovered wages, paid administrative leave, Letters of Expectations, and written and verbal warnings.
The Committee received the Auditor General’s Annual report and the City’s audited consolidated and sinking fund financial statements for 2022.
These reports will rise to City Council on Wednesday, June 14.