Auditor General releases report on early pandemic relief programs

Nova Scotia's Auditor General says while government's COVID-19 relief response was “commendable”, it gave up control of a large sum of money before knowing how much would be needed. 

Tuesday's report from Kim Adair took a look at early COVID-19 relief programs for people and small businesses. The report covered the first wave of COVID-19, from March of 2020 to September of 2020. 

That included a $100 million contract with Dalhousie University to administer relief programs. 

“The Dalhousie University programs we audited were found to be well-managed,” explained Auditor General Kim Adair. “However, handing control of $100 million to the university is concerning because the province locked in the amount and gave up control of the funds before knowing how much would be needed.

“As of August 2021, more than half of the $100 million was either unallocated or related to tourism loan guarantees which may never be drawn down.”

Adair added she has concerns around missing contract clauses and risk assessments, but said the programs were well-run by Dalhousie and only minor errors were found. 

Another early relief program, $30 million delivered to childcare providers delivered by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, is not being looked at so kindly. 

Adair's report finds that money did not come with clear guidance, reviews or risk assessments. She writes that funding was doled out without the need for support for amounts claimed and approval letters were not always sent off to applicants.