Michael Werier, the interim commissioner appointed to review the auditor general’s 2009 annual report as it relates to MLAs’ allowances, reported to the Speaker of the legislative assembly today. The interim commissioner was to decide what regulations or amendments to existing regulations should be made in order to implement the recommendations contained in the auditor general’s report.
Werier thanked the auditor general for the report on MLA allowances. “The auditor general’s report provided the opportunity for a thorough review and updating of the existing allowances regulations.”
Werier noted the auditor general recommended more stringent claiming requirements for allowance expenses. He said, “I was pleased to see the all-party Legislative Assembly Management Commission put strict receipt requirements in place on an interim basis after the auditor general’s report and I have decided those strict receipt requirements be ongoing.”
As recommended by the auditor, measures will be implemented to ensure that Manitoba’s legislative assembly provides greater transparency and accountability. Monthly reports providing greater detail on each MLA’s allowance expenses and copies of each MLA’s allowance claims will be available online.
The interim commissioner’s report does away with donations to non-profit groups by MLAs but allows for token souvenir items, wreaths and flowers, certain parade expenses, and high-school bursaries and books as part of the traditional expectation of what a MLA would do in serving the MLA’s community.
The interim commissioner consulted with interested individuals and groups in conducting the review to ensure a community view point in setting MLA allowances.
The decisions of the interim commissioner for allowances are now binding.
George Hickes, Speaker of the assembly, thanked Werier saying, “I know that reviewing the existing allowances to provide the public with confidence in the system through improving transparency and financial controls was a long and complex process. On behalf of all members, I thank Mr. Werier for his work .”
