Auditor General Tables Two Audit Reports and her 2026-2027 Audit Work Plan

Ottawa – Today, Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon tabled an Audit of Ottawa Paramedic Services, a Council Expenses Audit and her 2026-2027 Audit Work Plan. 

The Audit of Ottawa Paramedic Services found that while many controls exist for managing controlled substances, there is a lack of controls around the administration, inventory management, and access to controlled substances. The audit also found that Superintendents are generally equipped with the necessary tools and training to support Paramedics. However, there are opportunities to improve the communication and transparency of key program changes, standardize the duration of oversight and mentorship for new Paramedics, and strength processes for reporting instances of workplace violence involving members of the public. The report made four recommendations, all of which were agreed to by management. 

The Auditor General also tabled her Council Expenses Audit. The audit found that expenses reviewed complied with the Council Expense Policy.  However, Mme Gougeon identified opportunities for improvement, including better access to accurate and timely budget information for Members of Council. The report highlighted the need to develop policies for the recruitment of Councillor office staff, along with establishing a salary framework for these positions. The report made four recommendations, all of which were agreed to by management. 

Mme Gougeon also tabled her 2026-2027 Audit Work Plan, the last two-year plan of her seven-year mandate.  The plan identifies the audits currently in progress, as well as new audits to commence in the coming years. As part of determining the workplan objectives, the Office of the Auditor General conducted a city-wide survey to help identify resident priorities. The top 5 areas raised as part of the survey included: OC Transpo, value for money - City procurement/infrastructure projects, transportation planning, downtown revitalization and light-rail transit. 

A full copy of these reports is available on the Auditor General’s website, www.oagottawa.ca.   

For further information, contact: 
(613) 580-9602 
OAG@ottawa.ca