(Photo: Kelly Roche/QEW South Post)
Mississauga is one of seven Canadian cities – and the only Ontario municipality – receiving top marks for clear financial reporting.
“Council and staff strive to ensure the city’s financial reporting is transparent and accessible,” said commissioner of corporate services and chief financial officer Gary Kent.
- providing a detailed breakdown of expenses
- referencing specific dollar amounts
- comparisons of previous years and
- justifications for any increased spending
The index also considered the timeliness of the independent auditor’s report for each city. Edmonton, St. Albert, Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat – all in Alberta – and Port Coquitlam, BC also placed first nationally.
As for the losers, Niagara Falls received a zero since its 2013 financial statements weren’t yet available. Excluding Niagara Falls, Kawartha Lakes, Ont. and Charlottetown, PEI are in last place nationally, with Windsor, Ont. and Cape Breton, NS close behind. In the Greater Toronto Area, Whitby and Barrie scored poorly.
Grande Prairie, AB ranked last place out west, while New Brunswick fared well with Moncton and Fredericton scoring first and second respectively among eastern cities.
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is a North American research and education charity founded in 1999 to help voters and policy makers improve their understanding of the economy and public policy, and develop ideas to change the world.
Click here and here for detailed information about Mississauga’s finances.
-Kelly Roche
qewsouthpost.com 