AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPORT CONFIRMS NDP’S WORST FEARS
The Auditor General’s report on the Department of Health and Social Services confirms the worse fears of the Yukon New Democratic Party caucus – the department is spending huge sums of money without a strategic or business plan, a risk-management process or complete and accurate health data.
“As a result, the department does not know if it is providing the right programs and services and allocating limited resources optimally,” says NDP leader Liz Hanson. “It is kind of like paddling down a river full of rapids with a blindfold on.”
The Auditor General says the H&SS department has failed to identify its most important health priorities and has not set targets for health outcomes. This is cause for alarm, as it is the largest government department and accounts for nearly one third of all territorial spending.
“This lack of a comprehensive health information system means the department does not have a complete or clear view of the health needs of Yukon’s aging and aboriginal populations,” Hanson adds.
“The 2008 Yukon Health Care Review reported the growth in health care costs could exceed the growth in Yukon government revenues by as much as $250 million by the year 2018. Meanwhile, the Yukon Party government is spending money on programs and services without knowing whether they are working.”
The Auditor General focused specifically on the department’s diabetes and alcohol and drug services programs. She found the department has failed to establish measurable objectives for both programs, so it is impossible to tell whether Yukoners are getting value for their money.
The Auditor General also found H&SS spent more during the fiscal years 2008-09 and 2009-10 than it was authorized to spend by the Legislative Assembly, in direct contravention of the Financial Administration Act. This is the second time she has said the Yukon government has broken this law.