The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) was provided with the Report of the Auditor General on Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands today. The report is the result of a review initiated in October 2019 by the PAC in accordance with Section 16 of the Auditor General Act, requesting the following:
“That the Auditor General investigate and report on the breakdown of communication that resulted in the flooding of the Muskrat Falls reservoir in violation of an agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and the NunatuKavut Community Council to abide by the recommendations of the Independent Expert Advisory Committee, which directed that wetland capping must precede any such flooding.”
The PAC’s role with respect to this report, now that the review of the Auditor General has concluded, is to conduct a thorough examination of the report on behalf of the Legislature, holding entities accountable by ensuring any deficiencies are corrected. The Committee’s role is not to create policy, but to assess the effectiveness of programs and services in achieving intended outcomes.
The PAC was briefed by the Auditor General and officials today and will now commence its examination of the report. The Committee will provide further updates as it moves forward with its work and related timelines, including whether a public hearing will be scheduled to review matters contained within the report with the entities concerned.
Quotes
“The Public Accounts Committee commends the Auditor General and officials for their work on this review and looks forward to working collaboratively with that Office in fulfillment of our mandate to ensure public accountability on behalf of the Legislature. Having received the report today, the Committee is in the early stages of our work on this matter, but we will seek to provide timely updates as we determine and progress with next steps.”
Tony Wakeham, Member for Stephenville – Port au Port
Chair, Public Accounts Committee
“All members of the Public Accounts Committee are united in our responsibility to examine this report and ensure appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Member for Placentia – St. Mary’s
Vice Chair, Public Accounts Committee
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Report of Auditor General on Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands
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