An Alberta legislature committee is recommending that the government choose an internal candidate as the province’s next auditor general.
The Standing Committee on Legislative Offices nominated Phillip Peters on Wednesday for the top position in the watchdog agency. Peters currently serves as the general counsel and ethics officer for the Office of the Auditor General.
This recommendation from the standing committee follows the province’s refusal of an offer made in November by current Auditor General Doug Wylie, who wanted to stay on for two more years to finish his health procurement audit.
Marc Froese, a political science professor at Burman University in Lacombe, shared insights with Edmonton AM on Friday about what this role entails and its importance.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What does an auditor general do?
The auditor general has a significant responsibility that often goes unnoticed in our province.
Their main duty is to audit how government funds are spent. They examine financial statements from various agencies, boards, commissions, and even check into the premier’s travel expenses.
This role is vital for keeping public trust in government intact.
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Brandon Lunty, the MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and chair of the Alberta auditor general selection committee, speaks to reporters on Wednesday. (Logan Boucher/Radio-Canada)
The search for a new AG started on Monday. The government standing committee recommended Phillip Peters on Wednesday. How does the selection process work?
This is an independent committee within the legislature; however, most seats are held by UCP members.
A swift process might be beneficial as it helps keep consistency and efficiency within the auditor general’s office. It seems that’s why they picked someone like him.
On another note, moving quickly might suggest that there’s a predetermined outcome since trust in UCP among Albertans appears to be dwindling – which is problematic for them.
The NDP likely saw potential value in this choice but might have preferred more time or had other candidates they were considering.
LISTEN | What is an auditor general?:
Edmonton AM7:59New auditor general selected by legislature committee
The Standing Committee on Legislative Offices is recommending that Alberta’s government appoint Phillip Peters as its next auditor general following a refusal of current AG Doug Wylie’s offer to extend his tenure for two years to complete a health procurement audit. Marc Froese teaches political science at Burman University in Lacombe, Alta.
While all six UCP members of this standing committee voted in favor of Peters, four NDP MLAs opposed his recommendation. What does this indicate about independence within this role?
Legally speaking, it doesn’t impact independence at all; however we won’t know how our new auditor general handles such a large issue regarding health contracts until they start their work.
The Auditor General’s office is currently looking into claims of corruption related to procurement at Alberta Health Services. How could a new appointee affect outcomes from this investigation?
They’re tasked with continuing that investigation and can choose different methods compared to their predecessor-whether it’s interviewing different individuals or requesting various documents-everything can shift based on their approach.
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The province rejected an offer from current Auditor General Doug Wylie to stay in his post for two additional years so he can complete his health procurement audit. (Travis Mc Ewan/CBC)
Why do you think Phillip Peters was proposed for this position?
You want someone with strong personal integrity along with professional integrity who ideally possesses formal training either in law or finance and accounting-or better yet-both areas!
It looks like Peter’s background aligns well with those expectations based purely upon documentation provided thus far!
It feels quite murky right now but I would say he was put forward largely due outcry surrounding our governing body after facing so much scrutiny lately-they seem eager enough hoping they could redirect conversations away from negative headlines!
Whenever discussions arise around auditing matters-the clash between Premier & previous AG always surfaces! Hence they likely aimed towards finding someone less visible while remaining unimpeachable ethically speaking..
If we consider how heavily influenced committees tend toward preferences expressed by governing parties-it raises concerns given widespread distrust towards governance today!
Ultimately though-who holds accountability over what happens under these audits?
You & me! They report directly back through legislative channels & make findings publicly accessible via online platforms..
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