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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chamber Encouraged by UBCM Tentative Support for Municipal Auditor General September 29, 2011 – Victoria, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce reiterated its support for the creation of a provincial Municipal Auditor General (MAG) following the Union of BC Municipalities AGM in Vancouver. “We are encouraged by UBCM’s tentative support for the Office of the Municipal Auditor General,” said Bruce Carter, CEO at the Greater Victoria Chamber. “Given a 186% increase in municipal spending since 1988 and only a 18% increase in wages and 94% increase in the economy, the rate of increase in municipal spending is a problem that is simply unsustainable.” While the Chamber recognizes that all municipalities in BC are required to have a financial audit and report this information publicly, the Chamber does not believe that this goes far enough in introducing a level of accountability and scrutiny to municipal budgets and expenditures. The Chamber believes the Office of the MAG is applicable to all municipalities to ensure an independent review of municipal programs, spending, and services on an internal and on an inter-municipal basis. Such an office would go a long way towards reinforcing a culture of sound fiscal decision making while promoting balance between the level of taxes paid and the services consumed. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has close to 1,500 members and is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. -30- For more information contact: Ellen Henry Bruce Carter Manager of Member Communications Chief Executive Officer Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email: bcarter@gvcc.org Cell: 250-812-0510
MEDIA RELEASE
Chamber Encouraged by UBCM Tentative Support for Municipal Auditor General
September 29, 2011 – Victoria, BC – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce reiterated its support for the creation of a provincial Municipal Auditor General (MAG) following the Union of BC Municipalities AGM in Vancouver.
“We are encouraged by UBCM’s tentative support for the Office of the Municipal Auditor General,” said Bruce Carter, CEO at the Greater Victoria Chamber. “Given a 186% increase in municipal spending since 1988 and only a 18% increase in wages and 94% increase in the economy, the rate of increase in municipal spending is a problem that is simply unsustainable.”
While the Chamber recognizes that all municipalities in BC are required to have a financial audit and report this information publicly, the Chamber does not believe that this goes far enough in introducing a level of accountability and scrutiny to municipal budgets and expenditures. The Chamber believes the Office of the MAG is applicable to all municipalities to ensure an independent review of municipal programs, spending, and services on an internal and on an inter-municipal basis. Such an office would go a long way towards reinforcing a culture of sound fiscal decision making while promoting balance between the level of taxes paid and the services consumed.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has close to 1,500 members and is the voice of business for the Greater Victoria region. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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For more information contact:
Ellen Henry Bruce Carter
Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email: bcarter@gvcc.org
Cell: 250-812-0510