Michael Pickup has been appointed Nova Scotia’s new auditor general. The appointment was approved by the House of Assembly today, April 29.

He has served as the audit principal for the Office of the Auditor General of Canada for the past 24 years, leading financial and performance audits.

Born and raised in Cape Breton, and an Acadia University graduate, Mr. Pickup began his career in Halifax in 1990. He established a successful track record across the federal government, public accounts and crown corporations.

“I want to welcome Mr. Pickup back to Nova Scotia,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “He will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the House of Assembly and the transparency and openness of the government and the civil service.

“Mr. Pickup’s extensive legislative audit experience will serve him well as he begins his term in Nova Scotia. He will have our co-operation, and I wish him well.”

Mr. Pickup’s appointment is effective July 2. He was chosen by an external selection committee including several accounting and audit leaders.

Under the province’s Auditor General Act, the Governor in Council appoints a person to be the auditor general, subject to the approval of the House of Assembly by majority vote. The auditor general is appointed for 10-year term and cannot be reappointed.

Source: Release