News release

Department Taking Action on Recommendations from Auditor General

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Work to address recommendations from the auditor general's report released today, May 22, is well underway. Twelve, or 30 per cent, of 38 recommendations for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal have already been addressed.

"We are in total agreement with the auditor general's recommendations," said Maurice Smith, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. "We are actively addressing the issues in the report and, in fact, have already established an audit response team to ensure the recommendations are fully implemented in a timely manner."

The department was cited for management and inventory control at two of the department's mechanical branches.

"While the focus was on Miller Lake and Truro, we are making changes at all our mechanical branches," said Mr. Smith. "We are working now to ensure proper accountability and controls are in place across our operations."

Before the auditor general's report, the department was in the midst of improvements, including greater staff accountability, reviewing the work order system and introducing a preventative maintenance program. The auditor general's recommendations will be used to support the department's work.

Recommendations already addressed include:

  • assessing all mechanical branch operations
  • implementing better preventative maintenance practices on department vehicles
  • more consistent practices for signing for non-stock parts when an order is received

The department will also create a provincial policy and procedures committee, and a repair standards working group.

The department has six mechanical branches across the province. The branches are responsible for repairing and maintaining department vehicles such as snow plows and road maintenance equipment.