Premier Christy Clark has appointed Ontario bureaucrat Basia Ruta as B.C.'s first auditor general for local government (AGLG).
In the role, Ruta will conduct performance audits of local government services and provide recommendations about how to find efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of operations.
Ruta is a chartered accountant with experience working in the federal Office of the Auditor General, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and as Environment Canada's CFO.
"At every level of government we need to find new and innovative ways to make sure British Columbians are getting the best value for their money," Clark said, in announcing Ruta's appointment.
According to the province, Ruta was selected and recommended for appointment "following a nationwide search and rigorous selection process."
She will begin her position at the AGLG's Surrey office in January.
According to the province, the AGLG will make non-binding recommendations based on performance audits and publicize best practices adopted by local governments. The province stipulated that the AGLG "will not question the merits of policy decisions or objectives of local governments."
Establishing an AGLG was one of Clark's byelection promises; the idea has drawn fire from municipalities and strong support from business groups.
