January 21, 2015
Manitoba Government Releases Review Of Financial, Human Resources Practices At Red River College
– – –Action Taken to Ensure More Accountability, Responsible Stewardship and Stronger Oversight of Public Resources: Minister Bjornson
Education and Advanced Learning Minister Peter Bjornson released the provincial review examining financial and human resource practices at Red River College (RRC), and announced plans to strengthen board governance, financial controls and capital management by introducing new legislation that would ensure appropriate spending and financial oversight at the college.
“Government expects individuals entrusted with public funds to be responsible stewards of those funds. Any misuse of those resources constitutes a betrayal of the public trust,” said Minister Bjornson. “When allegations regarding the former president of the college were brought to the department’s attention, we took decisive action and requested a full review of its financial and human resource practices.”
The report makes 45 recommendations, which RRC has accepted, to improve policies and procedures to ensure appropriate spending and financial oversight at RRC, the minister said. Areas of focus include executive expense claims, contract management practices, financial reporting and human resource management practices.
Minister Bjornson said he plans to introduce legislation that would strengthen the legislative framework for Red River College during the next session to ensure RRC follows the best administrative practices on financial management, capital project management and board governance. He has also requested a progress report from RRC on the implementation of the review’s recommendations by the end of its current fiscal year.
“Red River College is critical to the economic well-being of our province and provides crucial skills training and education to Manitobans,” said Minister Bjornson. “Our government is committed to supporting the college so it can continue to be part of a strong post-secondary education system.”
The full report will be available online at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/edu/docs/index.html
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