Auditor general says Halifax taking steps toward diversity and inclusion, but oversight needed

An audit has found the Halifax Regional Municipality is attempting to take steps toward meeting its diversity and inclusion goals, but more monitoring is needed to track the progress. 

On Wednesday, Andrew Atherton, the municipal auditor general, presented a report to the audit and finance committee. His office made eight recommendations that he said were all approved by city administration. 

The audit recommended the municipality determine what data is needed from its departments and municipal agencies to monitor progress on diversity and inclusion framework goals. For example, more than a third of new hires have not completed mandatory training on the topic, according to the audit. 

The framework aims for an inclusive public service, safe work environment and equitable employment. There is also an emphasis on meaningful relationships that contribute to inclusive decision making and accessible information and communication.

"What was missing is that central oversight — the monitoring to ensure that the best work is being done — and the performance measures to assess whether that work is accomplishing what the municipality wants it to accomplish," said Atherton. 

"So that we ensure that all the business units are working in the same direction and that we're working toward the same goals that the council has set that we want to try to achieve."

The audit assessed six areas — fire, police, transit, human resources, parks and recreation, as well as planning and development. While all submitted annual reports, just one of the business units, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, completed all quarterly reports related to diversity and inclusion over a two-year period. 

"There was a lot of reporting being asked for, which takes a lot of time, potentially. But the current reporting wasn't really being used. It wasn't being looked at," Atherton said. 

Staff to prepare action plan

Cathy Deagle-Gammon, who chairs the audit and finance committee, said it was no surprise the report found steps toward diversity and inclusion. 

"Now is really a nice moment for the AG to be able to have a look and to point out how [the municipality's Diversity and Inclusion office] can streamline and be more focused on what they need to do," Deagle Gammon said. 

The committee voted to have staff prepare an action plan within six months. 

"It doesn't mean that everything is done, it just means this is how we're going to get the work done," Deagle Gammon said.