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“We’re certainly not opposed to the concept of reviews where they make sense and where we believe they’ll be cost-effective,” he said.

He said the results of each review would be measured differently depending on the program or service under the microscope.

Vulnerable Albertans are a priority for his government, Toews said, but added every program must be examined if it’s to be delivered wisely and efficiently.

“We really have to take a look at every program. Not only at the funding level, but (at) what need are we looking to serve? And is this the best way to serve that need, or might there be a better approach?” he said.

“I think it’s incumbent upon government to always be asking those questions. You can bet that ministers in every department will be asking that question.”

MacKinnon said over-spending was in issue in numerous departments.

“Every one we looked at — and we only looked at the big spenders — are spending more than other provinces,” she said at a Tuesday news conference in Calgary. “So across the piece the government has to look at the areas we looked at. Why are they spending more? What are their costs? What do we do to change it, to move Alberta closer to other provinces in its spending?”

In a report released last Thursday, Alberta’s auditor general urged the government to improve how it monitors performance and appointments.

“Alberta ministries are still not reporting as effectively as they could on what results are being delivered for the investment of taxpayers’ dollars,” Doug Wylie wrote.