EDMONTON - A tired and drifting government has been steadily ignoring the recommendations of the Auditor General, said New Democrat MLA Brian Mason. And if the government doesn’t start listening to its financial watchdog, Albertans will suffer.

In October, Auditor General Fred Dunn released his 2001-02 annual report. Of 49 recommendations made, 23 are recommendations that were made and brought forward from last year.

"The most common phrase in this report is ‘we again recommend’," said Mason. "It is remarkable how frustrated Mr. Dunn sounds after only one year in office."

The government’s disregard of the office of the Auditor General is part of a worsening trend, said Mason. Dunn reported a gradual slowing down of the implementation of AG recommendations.

Mason pointed to the Learning Ministry as one of the worst offenders.

The first four recommendations under Alberta Learning are all repeated from last year. In his report, the Auditor General noted that despite previous warnings, school capital plans were not consistent with educational plans.

"A high percentage of schools in Alberta are over 40 years old, many desperately need repair," said Mason. "How many times does the Auditor General have to tell the government that crumpling schools cannot meet the needs of students?"

Mason said that another recurring concern was the loss of control over contracted out services. Dunn pointed to problems in the control of confidential information, value for money, and conflicts of interest.