Less than a week after a bill amendment that would allow the Nova Scotia government to fire the auditor general without cause was introduced, Premier Tim Houston is calling for it to be dropped.
The amendments to the Auditor General Act, which were introduced last Tuesday, would allow for the dismissal of the auditor general as long as two-thirds of the legislature agreed. Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government, which tabled the amendments, currently has a supermajority in the house.
The bill drew criticism from various political corners, including Auditor General Kim Adair, who called for it to be scrapped.
“What’s being proposed here in Nova Scotia is a substantial change to the way our office operates,” said Adair last week. “We have serious concerns that the changes tabled in this bill will erode the independence of this office going forward.”
In a statement on Monday, Houston said he no longer supports the amendments, and has asked the legislature to withdraw them following discussions with the auditor general and her team.
“There was never any intention on my part to change the existing Auditor General,” Houston said. “Sometimes things become something that they weren’t intended to be and I believe this is the case with the Auditor General-related amendments.
“I have nothing but respect for the Auditor General and look forward to continuing our working relationship.”
Adair responds
In a written statement, Adair said she appreciates the withdrawal of the amendments.
“We’re thankful that we had the opportunity to sit down with the Premier and his team for a very productive exchange this afternoon,” Adair said.
“We look forward to getting back to work; focusing on producing impactful audit reports for the people of Nova Scotia.”
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