The province’s auditor General is clarifying that a cautionary message she recently gave to the province is not connected to the fall fiscal update that was given on Wednesday.

Denise Hanrahan’s office issued a statement on her clean audit opinion of the province’s 2023-2024 public accounts about one hour after Finance Minister Siobhan Coady finished giving her fiscal update.

Coady’s update carried a message of stability and optimism for the economy, while Hanrahan’s message was one of caution—indicating that the province’s financial situation is “worsening.”

Hanrahan clarifies that her comments stem from the province tabling their actual results for the fiscal year ending last March. The update from the finance minister relates to the current fiscal year.

She says while it is all financial information, it comes from two different lenses.

When asked about Hanrahan’s comments indicating that the fiscal situation is getting worse, Coady says its a difference of perspectives.

She notes that the province has grown its population in each of the last 14 quarters and that is expected to continue. She also highlights various government initiatives brought in over the last few years focused on strengthening the economy.

Coady agrees that the province “absolutely should be cautious.”

However, she argues that overall, while caution is needed the province is starting to see some of the improvements they have been working towards.