IDI Media Release

Holding governments to account:
Prime Minister of Canada commits $3,750,000 to INTOSAI Development Initiative’s support for Supreme Audit Institutions worldwide

Oslo, Norway, 31 March 2023: In firm recognition of the role played by Auditors General, Courts of Accounts and National Audit Offices in upholding democracy, Justin Trudeau has announced funding of $3,750,000 to support Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) during Canada’s second Summit for Democracy on March 29, 2023.

The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) operates as an umbrella organization for the external government audit community. The project, which will be delivered via the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) seeks to build a stronger public external audit function and to enhance the performance of SAIs in developing countries.

The funding is part of a $50million suite of initiatives that promote and protect democracy at home and abroad. $28 million will be distributed to support the human rights of marginalized communities – particularly women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, Indigenous Peoples, and religious minorities. Further initiatives upholding the rule of law in support of democracy include grants for robust democratic process and for a free and independent media worldwide.

In his announcement at the Second Summit for Democracy, The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada stated:

“Today, we joined our international partners in reaffirming our commitment to strengthening democracy. The democracies we are a part of didn’t happen by accident, and they won’t endure without effort. But by continuing to work together, and continuing to show people that their institutions can deliver for them, we can strengthen democracies around the world and create a more prosperous and peaceful world for everyone.”

The Right Hon. Helen Clark, Goodwill Ambassador for SAI Independence for the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation (IDC), former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former UNDP Administrator, is delighted with the announcement. 

“This recognition of the role SAIs play in holding governments to account could not be more timely, necessary or welcome. First, it responds to the erosion of the independence of several supreme audit institutions which both reflects and contributes to a trend of democratic backsliding. Second, it speaks to the ability of supreme audit institutions to contribute to strong governance in critical areas affecting the world’s citizens – not only in the spending of public finances, but also in auditing the impact of governments’ initiatives more broadly.”

As the capacity-building arm of INTOSAI, IDI welcomes the funding to continue and extend its support to supreme audit institutions. Says IDI Director General, Einar Gørrissen:

“Our role in supporting SAIs helps enhance their institutional capacity and their ability to hold governments to account. This contributes to improved financial oversight, public financial management, transparency, accountability, service delivery to citizens, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including gender equality, as well as reduced levels of corruption.”

He continues: “We extend our deep gratitude to the government of Canada for bringing attention and financial support to the critical role played by supreme audit institutions all over the world in underpinning and upholding democracy.”

For more information about IDI’s work go to www.idi.no

ENDS

About us

International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) operates as an umbrella organisation for the external government audit community. It is an autonomous, independent and non-governmental organisation with special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation (IDC) mobilises funding from donors to strengthen SAIs, focusing on governance, development and poverty reduction. The INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI) support SAIs in developing countries to build and strengthen capacity.

For IDI comments and media requests contact:

Einar Gørrissen, Director General of IDI, phone 0047 90980987, email einar.gorrissen@idi.no

Jill Marshall, Communications Manager, phone 0064 284086329, email jill.marshall@idi.no

For Goodwill Ambassador comments and media requests contact:

Kylee Kenrick, Helen Clark’s Executive Assistant, email kylee.kenrick@helenclark.nz

Related material:

Prime Minister strengthens partnerships for a more democratic future at second Summit for Democracy | Prime Minister of Canada (pm.gc.ca)

Backgrounder: Canada announces over $50 million in funding during second Summit for Democracy | Prime Minister of Canada (pm.gc.ca)