New Local Gov't AG Appointed

Courtesy of the BC Government:

New AG for Local Gov't Gordon Ruth

Gordon Ruth has been appointed as the new B.C. auditor general for local government (AGLG) with a mandate to lead a new, collaborative relationship between local governments across the province and the office.

“Recognizing there is only one taxpayer, the goal of this office has always been to help find ways to provide the best possible services in the most efficient, cost-effective way,” said Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Peter Fassbender. “I’m confident we have found the right person in Gordon Ruth and know he is someone who will establish himself, and the office, as high functioning, results-based and willing to work with local governments to find solutions that ultimately benefit British Columbians.”

The appointment is effective Oct. 1, 2015, and will allow for transition from his current position.

When the B.C. auditor general for local government was initially launched in January of 2013, it was the first of its kind. Like any new, leading-edge office there have been lessons learned and steps taken to strengthen the office and position it for success moving forward.

“We are very pleased to be able to attract an individual such as Gordon Ruth. We feel he will make an excellent AGLG given his experience and background as well as his knowledge of local government,” said Tony Ariganello, chair, audit council, auditor general for local government.

In recognition of the change of leadership in the office of the AGLG, Fassbender had the following to say about the outgoing acting AGLG, “I want to use this occasion to recognize the tremendous work accomplished by Arn van Iersel. He came in at a challenging time for the office and brought superior leadership and stability when it was most needed.”

Fassbender also remarked on a further measure to improve the office to help facilitate the smooth transition to a new AGLG. “Shortly, we expect to announce two new members of the audit council, both of whom have previous local government experience that will help bring more understanding of the challenges faced by local government to the office.”

With new, stable leadership and enhancements to the audit council, the AGLG is now well-positioned for the long term, to help local governments improve their operations and deliver services more efficiently, effectively and economically.

About Gordon Ruth:

Gordon Ruth, FCPA, FCGA is currently the executive vice president of certification and operations for the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. Ruth was also the chief executive officer for the Certified General Accountants of BC for almost five years. He has held several positions in the public sector, ranging from the federal government to BC Hydro. He spent 15 years with the Greater Vancouver Regional District (now Metro Vancouver) where he became the chief financial officer and helped steward the financial affairs of this regional federation of municipalities.

Ruth has an extensive background volunteering within the accounting profession at the provincial, national and chapter levels. He served on the CGA-BC board of governors from 1998 to 2005 and was elected to the executive committee in 2000. He then served as board chair of the CGA Association in 2002. Nationally, he served on the CGA-Canada board of directors from 2000-2004 as well as on the CGA-Canada executive committee. He was active in both the Vancouver and Southern Vancouver Island chapters. His awards recognizing his contribution to the profession include the J.M. Macbeth Award, a Fellowship Designation and a Life Membership.