Auditor General Karen Ehogan.
The federal Auditor General doesn’t see the federal government doing enough to end long-term water advisories on Indigenous communities.
An audit found Indigenous Services Canada’s efforts being hindered by outdated policies and funding formulas.
Indigenous Service Minister Marc Miller feels they are still on the right track.
“Since 2015, we’ve worked in partnership with First Nations leadership and communities to improve access to clean drinking water despite the challenges. We’re confident that we are on the right path,” says Miller.
While 100 advisories have been lifted, another 60 remain in effect.
The Auditor General is also critical of the federal government’s response to improving rail safety.
Karen Hogan says some of the recommendations made in 2013 have not yet been enacted.
Federal transport Minister Omar Alghabra acknowledges the need for more oversight.
“We think it’s a good idea. We have started working on reaching out to our stakeholders to our partners to implement these recommendations,” says Alghabra.
The AG does recognize Transport Canada is making good progress with audits of rail companies’ safety management systems.
The federal government does get good marks for how it managed the Canada Child Benefit.
Hogan says payments made to eligible families were accurate and issued on time.
