Committee receives audits of Ottawa Paramedic Service and Council expenses

The City of Ottawa’s Audit Committee met today and received audits examining Ottawa Paramedic Services and Council expenses. 

Committee members reviewed the findings of the audits and learned about the City’s plans to address the recommendations outlined by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). 

The audit of the Ottawa Paramedic Service examined the support and oversight provided by superintendents to paramedics, as well as the management of controlled substances. 

The audit makes four recommendations: 

• Revisiting the identified risks and control practices for controlled substances administered or handled by paramedics. 

• Providing clear communications to paramedics about upcoming changes to employee support programs. 

• Enhancing oversight and support for new paramedics. 

• Providing clear expectations and outcomes for paramedics reporting violence experienced on the job. 

Ottawa Paramedic Service leadership confirmed their agreement with each of the recommendations, some of which will be addressed before the end of this year. 

The Council Expenses Audit focused on the Constituency Services Budgets that are allocated annually to each Councillor and the Mayor to support the operation of their offices, constituent engagement, and participation in community activities. 

The audit found that the City’s policy regarding these budgets is clear and understood by Members of Council, as evidenced by the fact that all expenses audited complied with the policy. The audit makes four recommendations to further improve the use and administration of office expenses, consisting of: 

• Establishing additional recruitment and hiring policies and procedures for employees within Councillors’ offices. 

• Establishing an updated salary framework for employees within Councillors’ offices. 

• Providing internal budget documentation that reflects planned expenditures by Councillors, rather than suggested amounts or historical averages. 

• Improving the accuracy and transparency of public disclosures by providing the gross expenses of Councillors’ offices, including budget credits that are provided to Councillors who lead committees or boards. 

City management confirmed their agreement with the recommendations and provided an implementation plan to begin next year and into the 2026-2030 Term of Council. 

Additionally, the committee received the OAG’s 2026-2027 Audit Work Plan, which provides an overview of work to be conducted over the next two years.