The Office of the Auditor General was established in 2009.

Under the Ontario Municipal Act, Section 223.19, the Auditor General 'reports to council and is responsible for assisting the council in holding itself and its administrators accountable for the quality of stewardship over public funds and for achievement of value for money in municipal operations”.

Independent of the City's administration, the Auditor General reports directly to City Council through the Finance Committee. Independence is an essential component to building public trust and preserving the objectivity and integrity associated with the audit function.

The Auditor General is guided by a citizen focus and a philosophy of adding value to improve the current and future operations of the City. He supports Council and City administration in achieving organizational objectives by providing objective and independent information, advice and assurance with respect to governance, risk management, accountability, and performance.
The Auditor General's first order of business will be to establish the Auditor General's mandate as a by-law, which will clearly define the authority and independence of his office. In the first year, the following activities are planned:

• a high-level review of the organization;
• development of a risk-based audit plan; and
• issuance of the first audit reports to the public.

The Auditor General is responsible for full implementation of audits on the City's programs and activities.  Final audit reports will be made available to the public and will support Council's commitment to accountability and transparency and provide information on the effectiveness, efficiency and economy of City services.

Contact the Auditor General, Brian Bigger, by calling 674-4455 extension 4402.