OTTAWA - The RCMP gets a passing grade from the auditor general for the way it handles its multimillion-dollar relocation program, but National Defence is once again facing tough questions about how it moves members around the country.
Michael Ferguson's latest report, which looks at both departments, says defence officials don't provide enough assurance that payments under the program are in accordance with the contract.
Perhaps more importantly for those in the military, the audit finds that the department doesn't use the information at its fingertips to ensure that its members consistently receive all the moving benefits to which they are entitled.
The federal government forks out $303.4 million a year to move soldiers, sailors, aircrew and RCMP members to different posts across the country using one contractor, Brookfield Global Relocation.
A previous audit questioned the RCMP's diligence in monitoring its portion of the contract, but Ferguson's new report say the Mounties have improved their controls.
