News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government will modernize reporting requirements for departments and major Crown corporations under legislation introduced today by Premier David Alward.

The Accountability and Continuous Improvement Act will also ensure greater alignment of corporate priorities and goals across all of government, including Crown corporations.

"Our government is committed to continuous improvement," said Alward. "This is an important initiative that will make Crown corporations more transparent and more accountable to government and taxpayers."

The legislation provides clarity around the provincial government's relationship with Crown corporations and defines roles and responsibilities clearly and transparently. It will establish consistent and aligned reporting requirements for Crown entities to facilitate continuous improvement in the delivery of programs and services to New Brunswickers.

The act sets out the legislative framework to develop four tools to ensure more active oversight by the provincial government of the performance of Crown corporations:

●    mandate letters;
●    annual plans;
●    annual reports; and
●    memorandums of understanding.

Work will be undertaken during the coming year in collaboration with Crown corporations and departments to build these tools.

The act will achieve the following:

●    set out performance expectations in a consistent, open and transparent manner for Crown corporations;
●    better align the mandates, priorities and goals of Crown corporations with the corporate policy objectives of the provincial government;
●    ensure active partnership with Crown corporations; and
●    provide uniform performance reporting requirements for crown entities. This will ensure that the public will be fully informed on how Crown corporations are performing relative to their mandates and the strategic priorities of the provincial government.

"Today's legislation builds on best practices within New Brunswick and Canada and is in line with recommendations from the Commission on Legislative Democracy and past auditor general reports," said Alward. "The act is in line with the provincial government's commitment to government renewal. The cornerstone of the government renewal process is a focus on corporate alignment across government."