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Table 6: Internal Audits

Internal audits entail the objective examination of evidence for the purpose of providing an independent assessment and assurance regarding the soundness of management control frameworks and practices, and information used for decision-making and reporting.

Veterans Affairs Canada develops its annual audit and evaluation plan using a risk-based approach. The current plan was approved on May 22, 2008 by the Deputy Minister at the recommendation of the Audit and Evaluation Committee. The intent of the audit and evaluation plan is to ensure projects are clearly aligned with Veterans Affairs Canada's Five-year Strategic Plan, Program Activity Architecture, and Management Accountability Framework. The Department undertakes audit and evaluation projects that are deemed the highest risk. To focus attention on those areas where use of the available resources would best achieve the objectives of audit and evaluation, the following criteria are considered during project selection: materiality; likelihood; complexity; and sensitivity/reputation. During the ranking of the proposed engagements, consultations are held with senior managers, program managers and audit and evaluation staff. Findings and recommendations of previous audits, evaluations and reviews, as well as the extent of follow-up and corrective action taken by management are also used to assess potential projects. Audit schedules are compared with those of the Office of the Auditor General, the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development and the Office of the Comptroller General in order to prevent overlapping visits and undue interference with operations. Consultation with partners is conducted on an ongoing basis.

The long range plan attempts to provide some balance, so that some functions, activities and organizational entities are covered annually through cyclical projects (e.g., Organizational Governance and Residential Care). Follow-up to findings also contribute to current and future year planning. The plan has some flexibility to allow for requests from management for special studies demanded by unforeseeable circumstances, from central agencies for the Transfer Policy requirements, and for follow-up reviews on the actions taken on recommendations.

The current Audit and Evaluation Plan covers initiatives planned up to 2010-2011. However, it is important to note that the Audit and Evaluation Plan is re-evaluated on an annual basis, and beginning in 2009-2010 a separate Internal Audit Plan will be developed. This plan will be presented to the Departmental Audit Committee for review and recommendation. The Audit and Evaluation committee held its last meeting in May 22, 2008 and has been replaced by two separate committees, the Departmental Evaluation Committee and the Departmental Audit Committee.

Upcoming Internal Audits

Internal Audit commitments April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011 (approved by Audit and Evaluation Committee May 22, 2008).

Name of Internal Audit	Type	Status	Expected Completion Date
Knowledge Management Audit	Administrative function	Planned	March 31, 2010
Health Related Travel Audit	Direct spending for the Veteran's travel program	Planned	March 31, 2010
Management of Medications at Ste. Anne's Hospital	Administrative function	Planned	March 31, 2010
Management Accountability Framework Readiness Assessment	Corporate governance function	Planned	March 31, 2010
Responsibility Centre Audit	Corporate governance function	Planned	March 31, 2010
Ste. Anne's Hospital Other Health Purchased Services Charges Audit	Direct spending for the health care program	Planned	March 31, 2011
Review of the Sustainable Development Strategy - Business Advisory	Corporate governance function	Planned	March 31, 2011
Equipment Re-cycling Program Audit	Administrative function	Planned	March 31, 2011
Third Party Administered Accounts and Powers of Attorney Audit	Administrative function	Planned	March 31, 2011

Electronic Link to Report: Audit and Evaluation Reports are posted on Veterans Affairs Canada public website when completed: http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=department/reports/deptaudrep

Note: The above list is based on a risk-ranking priority exercise. The Audit Plan is revisited annually and the order of priority and/or necessity of the work is subject to change due to changing departmental or governmental priorities.

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