Auditor General releases performance audit on MUN

Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador Denise Hanrahan released a performance audit report to the House of Assembly on Memorial University’s facilities management.

The report found that Memorial University does not effectively or efficiently manage its capital portfolio. From a weak policy environment to poor space management practices to a questionable deferred maintenance procedure, it appears Memorial does not have the culture to manage its aging infrastructure.

The report also highlighted that there is a lack of oversight throughout the organization, with many of the figures and information used for our audit being unreliable or questionable.

Funding should only be provided once a reasonable plan, with appropriate policies and oversight, is defined and implemented the report states.

Back in 2014, the Auditor General issued a recommendation to Memorial University to "ensure audits and inspections of infrastructure are completed to identify maintenance requirements and that critical maintenance work is actioned in a timely manner." There was also a recommendation to the province to consider a long-term plan to address the University’s aging infrastructure and maintenance needs.