FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Blaine Higgs issued the following statement on the passing of the Auditor General of Canada Michael Ferguson, a former New Brunswick auditor general and deputy minister of finance:
I join with New Brunswickers in expressing my deepest sympathies at the recent passing of Mr. Ferguson.
He was a passionate and dedicated public servant who made a difference in the lives of countless Canadians. Through his audits, he shined a light on systemic issues with a goal of ensuring taxpayer dollars were being spent wisely and programs were delivering intended results.
Prior to his appointment as auditor general of Canada in 2011, he served in a variety of roles in the provincial government, including five years as comptroller, five years as auditor general, and one year as deputy minister of finance and secretary to the board of management.
I had the privilege of working directly with Mr. Ferguson when he served as deputy minister of finance. He was a man of keen intelligence who was both respected by his staff and trusted as a ministerial advisor. He was someone who would always tell it to you straight, never wavering from his determination to serve the public well.
We were all so proud to see him elevated to the position of auditor general of Canada when the whole country was given the opportunity to see what New Brunswickers already knew - that he was a special person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.
03-02-19