THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Tuesday, May 3, 2022
(7)

[English]

Pursuant to the order of the Senate of December 9, 2021, the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight met in camera this day in room C128, Senate of Canada Building and with videoconference, at 6 p.m. ET, the chair, the Honourable Marty Klyne, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Downe, Klyne and Wells (3).

Members of the committee present by videoconference: The Honourable Senator Dupuis (1).

External members of the committee present by videoconference: Hélène F. Fortin and Robert Plamondon (2).

Participating in the meeting: Shaila Anwar, Clerk Assistant and Brigitte Martineau, Administrative Assistant, Committees Directorate; Lindsay McGlashan and Raphaëlle Deraspe, analysts, Library of Parliament; Mélisa Leclerc, Director and Tony Spears, Team Lead, Writer, Communications Directorate; Brigitte Poullet, office of Senator Dupuis; Neil McKenna, office of Senator Klyne; Claudine Courtois, office of Senator Wells.

Pursuant to rule 12-7(17), the committee continued its consideration of the Senate’s internal and external audits and related matters.

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee met in camera to discuss a draft report.

It was agreed that the draft annual report be adopted in principle, taking into account today’s discussions.

It was agreed that the chair and deputy chairs be empowered to approve the final version of the report, incorporating the changes agreed to today.

It was agreed that the draft self-assessment questionnaire be adopted in principle, taking into account today’s discussions and to proceed with the self-assessment process, as per today’s discussions.

It was agreed that that the chair and deputy chairs be empowered to approve the final design of the report.

It was agreed that the chair and deputy chairs be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the committee to publicize the report with the support of the Senate Communications Directorate, including determining the appropriate timing for tabling the report.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the report in the Senate.

It was agreed that the committee approve the extension of the contract with the external auditors Ernst & Young, for one additional year with a decision on the second option year to follow.

It was agreed that the committee staff, in collaboration with the Senate Administration, be directed to undertake the necessary steps to assist the committee in undertaking a competitive process to acquire the services of an executive recruitment firm to assist with the selection process for a new Senate employee to fill the position of Chief Audit Executive.

At 7:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Maxime Fortin

Clerk of the Committee