Press Release
April 11, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Don't Rush the Accountability Act: Public Service Financial Officers
OTTAWA - The wide-ranging changes announced in the Federal Accountability Act demand more time for study than is currently being offered, according to the Association of Canadian Financial Officers (ACFO).
"This act contains many positive reforms," says Milt Isaacs, ACFO's chair. "But we're talking about a fundamental shift in the way government operates - this sort of thing shouldn't be rushed to pass before the summer recess."
Isaacs says his members are particularly encouraged by the creation of a committee of deputy ministers to study the existing financial management policies and make suggestions for streamlining the process.
"That's the sort of in-depth study that should be applied to the whole of these reforms," says Isaacs. "Not just to the last government's policies."
Isaacs says the creation of a number of new agents and officers of Parliament, significant changes to the Financial Administration Act and the introduction of the Accounting Officer model represent massive shifts in the way government operates.
"These are fundamental changes, due diligence must be exercised and enough time must be allocated for all stakeholders to have their say," says Isaacs.
"Rushing to meet an artificial deadline for political purposes for an Act that aims to eliminate political interference in the public service just seems illogical."
- 30 -
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact
:
Milt Isaacs, Chair, Association of Canadian Financial Officers - (613) 558-2949
The Association of Canadian Financial Officers represents the Financial Management Group (FI) of the Public Service of Canada. Its members are financial officers employed in 54 departments and agencies throughout government. Almost 3,000 financial professionals are members of ACFO, and most hold professional accounting designations or business degrees. Two-thirds of its members are located in the National Capital Region, with the balance in the regional organizations of departments.
|
