Annual Reports by Subject

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Auditor General Paul Martin tabled a report today in the legislative assembly that includes an audit of pupil transportation.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development establishes policies and guidelines for pupil transportation, and Martin concluded the department lacks oversight to ensure compliance with key requirements.

The audit found several instances of non-compliance with legislation and policy.

“Of utmost concern to us, is that despite our office’s extensive audit of pupil transportation in 2001, several gaps in levels of compliance remain,” said Martin. “We see little improvement in the area of departmental monitoring and oversight.”

These gaps include drivers not meeting appropriate licensing and training requirements and the department failing to ensure compliance with vehicle maintenance schedules.

Martin said the key areas of concern related to insufficient evidence of required licensing for bus drivers, criminal record checks, driver training and bus maintenance. The audit noted 63 buses with overdue motor vehicle inspections.

The audit also found that few strategies were in place to recruit and retain bus drivers.

The auditor general made a total of 12 recommendations to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The report is available online.

Travel Nurse Contracts – Department of Social Development, Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network

Mental Health Trust Fund No.9 – Departments of Health and Finance and Treasury Board

NB Housing Strategy: Housing for All – New Brunswick Housing Corporation

Pupil Transportation – Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Auditor General Paul Martin tabled a report in the legislative assembly today, including an audit on pupil transportation.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development establishes policies and guidelines for pupil transportation and Martin concluded the department lacks oversight to ensure compliance with key requirements.

The audit reported several instances of non-compliance with legislation and policy.

“Of utmost concern to us, is that despite our office’s extensive audit of pupil transportation in 2001, several gaps in levels of compliance remain. We see little improvement in the area of departmental monitoring and oversight,” said Martin.

These gaps include drivers not meeting appropriate licensing and training requirements and the department failing to ensure compliance with vehicle maintenance schedules.

The key areas of concern related to insufficient evidence of required licensing for bus drivers, criminal record checks, driver training, and bus maintenance. The audit noted 63 buses with overdue motor vehicle inspections.

The audit also found that few strategies were in place to recruit and retain bus drivers.

The Auditor General made a total of twelve recommendations to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The report is available online.