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Audit of the Inspector General's Office

Internal Audit

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) internal audit is an independent, objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve the Agency's operations. It helps the CFIA accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

Internal audit engagements are authorized as part of the CFIA's risk-based audit plan, which is updated at least annually for approval by the President. Internal audits are carried out in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Internal Audit and the Institute of Internal Auditors' International Professional Practices Framework. Final internal audit reports are approved by the President on the recommendation of the CFIA audit committee.

Overview

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is dedicated to safeguarding food, animal, and plant health, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment, and economy. In fulfilling this responsibility and to strengthen the Agency's food safety regime, an Inspector General executive was appointed in 2014 to report to senior management via the Vice President, Operations, on the overall performance and quality delivery from Operations Branch activities.

The objective of the audit was to assess the adequacy of the management control framework related to the functions of the Inspector General's Office (IGO). While the audit focused on the IGO's oversight of domestic inspection delivery and processes, the Foreign Verification Office was examined insofar as how its work is planned. The audit covered the period from April 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017.

Key Findings

The audit concluded that the mandate of the IGO needs to be confirmed and consistently communicated and described in Agency documents. Clarifying the mandate will assist the Inspector General in developing an overall strategic plan and appropriate performance measures. The audit also concluded that improvement is required in the IGO's reporting practices and the way management action plans are tracked.

Complete Report

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