This is the first time that this award has been granted to an audit department in Canada. The Knighton award is the highest award presented by the National Association of Local Government Auditors, an American based organization which represents more than 425 agencies and 1,200 individual members involved in the audits of cities, and other government bodies in the United States and Canada.

The focus of the audit was on accountability and integrity in decision-making. The results of the review indicated that the City did not always make sound financial decisions about, or receive value for money, from the investment in its real estate transactions. The report made 41 recommendations for improvement to the City’s business practices related to real estate management.

"I’m proud of the fact that this award has been granted to an audit department in Canada," said Mayor Glen Murray. "More importantly, the acceptance of the results of the audit by Council and administrative leaders demonstrates a commitment towards more open and accountable government."

"We are pleased to be recognized internationally for the work that we do here in Winnipeg, " said City Auditor Shannon Hunt. "I believe that awards like this demonstrate our dedication and commitment to providing quality audit service to our city."

According to the selection committee, the city’s audit report "exemplified remarkable creativeness and foresight" and "delivered a clear and meaningful message to management and the public".