Harper nominates Mike Ferguson as federal AG

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has officially nominated Mike Ferguson, New Brunswick’s deputy minister of finance, as Canada’s next auditor general.

Ferguson’s appointment was reported by CBC News in September. If Ferguson is confirmed, he will replace Sheila Fraser as the country’s chief financial watchdog.

Ferguson was the New Brunswick auditor general for five years prior to being the deputy minister of finance.

Harper said in a statement released on Monday that Ferguson will provide an important check on how governments spend taxpayers’ money.

"He will bring a deep understanding of the role of an auditor general, the relationship to Parliament and government, as well as the independence of mind required of an auditor. I am pleased that he has agreed to be nominated for this important role," Harper said in a statement.

Ferguson’s appointment must be approved by a resolution of the Senate and the House of Commons.

Ferguson was comptroller general for New Brunswick before being appointed auditor general in 2005. He left the job almost a year ago to become deputy minister in the Department of Finance.

Ferguson was very critical of the provincial Liberal government's financial management practices when he was auditor general.