Immigration Minister Welcomes Auditor General Review

Minister of Immigration Len Goucher is welcoming a review of the provincial nominee program by the auditor general. The legislature's public accounts committee voted to request the audit at its meeting today, Oct.31.

"A lot of things have been said about the nominee program over the last few weeks and there continues to be some confusion," said Mr. Goucher. "The auditor general's examination will provide independent confirmation of the many things we're doing well and point out any areas in which we might improve. I welcome his review and commit to fully co-operate with his staff."

The minister also said that an independent investigation was launched earlier today by the Office of Immigration.

"When I took on this portfolio, I committed to being open and transparent. Late yesterday afternoon, my senior management team brought to my attention a file that could involve potential conflict of interest and an independent review is now underway. We have contracted the services of an outside auditor who has already begun his work.

"A great deal of good work is being done by a small staff of very dedicated people in the Office of Immigration," said Mr. Goucher. "But we need more than good work. We also need public confidence in our efforts to attract immigrants, just as we need public confidence in any other government program."