The C-NLOPB wishes to clarify its position with respect to the Provincial Auditor General’s report regarding access to information necessary to conduct a review of the C-NLOPB’s operations.

When contacted by the Auditor General regarding his intention to conduct a review of the C-NLOPB’s operations, a legal opinion was sought as to whether or not the Board is within the jurisdiction of the Auditor General. The opinion was that we are not. Notwithstanding the legal opinion, the C-NLOPB wrote to the Auditor General stating that it has no objection to a review of its operations, but such a review should be coordinated with the Auditor General of Canada.

A single audit that meets the requirements of both governments would be appropriate and consistent with the C-NLOPB’s unique Federal/Provincial nature. The C-NLOPB has reporting responsibilities to both levels of government and information provided to one government is provided to the other.

In a letter to the Provincial Auditor General dated February 14, 2008, the Board wrote:

“As a public agency, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board has no objection to an audit and does not wish to restrict access. Our point is simply that, since the Board is a federal/provincial agency, any audit should be conducted jointly by the Auditors General of the Province and the Government of Canada.” It was also noted in the same letter that the Board is audited every year by an external auditor, and the results of that audit are in the public domain as part of our Annual Report. These Annual Reports are tabled in the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Parliament of Canada and are available on the Board’s website at www.cnlopb.nl.ca.

Media Contact:
Sean Kelly APR
Manager, Public Relations
(709) 778-1418
skelly@cnlopb.nl.ca