FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Office of the Comptroller, which falls under the Department of Finance and Treasury Board, will undertake an internal audit of NB Liquor’s financial matters.

“Today’s decision is about accountability to all New Brunswick taxpayers,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves. “Our government is committed to be open, honest and accountable to New Brunswickers and to protect their interests. It is important to be up front about how we manage their taxpayer dollars. By making this decision, we ensure complete fiscal transparency and, most importantly, we ensure that we maintain public confidence in our Crown corporations, agencies and departments. As with any other agency or department, we expect NB Liquor to manage its business and to administer taxpayers’ money in a responsible and prudent way.”

Under the Financial Administration Act, the Office of the Comptroller is responsible for ensuring the proper receipt, recording and disposition of public money; reporting on the results of these operations; and ensuring that management systems, procedures and internal controls operate economically and efficiently. The office must also ensure that program results are achieved through effective compliance with established legislative authority, policies, plans and regulations.

The audit will start immediately, and the Office of the Comptroller will report back to the government by September.