GOVERNMENT CALLS IN AUDITOR GENERAL TO EXAMINE FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH NOFG HOG PLANT

The Auditor General has been asked to examine government’s relationship with the Natural and Organic Food Group (NOFG) hog plant, it was announced today. The decision follows a recently commissioned third-party report which examines the NOFG operation.

All relevant files including the third-party report will be turned over to the Auditor General for a thorough examination. “This will ensure that all Islanders have access to a thorough understanding of exactly what has taken place at NOFG since taxpayers’ dollars began to flow to that company in 2006,” Premier Robert Ghiz said.

The decision to call in the Auditor General is also coupled with a decision to withhold all further public assistance to NOFG. “Given some of the concerns that have been raised, it is simply no longer responsible to risk further public dollars,” Agriculture Minister Neil LeClair said.

NOFG is primarily backed by a group of Quebec business people. Government believes this group has the resources needed to sustain the plant without further contributions from Islanders.

Should NOFG fail to meet its own needs, government will then explore all of its options which may include assistance to specific producers during a potential transition period.