The province’s Auditor General has not yet set a date or a time frame, but she has confirmed she will be conducting a review of the cannabis industry, including a supply contract awarded to Canopy Growth.

Questions surrounding the $40-million deal had been raised in the House of Assembly by Opposition Leader Ches Crosbie.

AG Julia Mullaley says it’s about more than just that. She says the legalization of cannabis was a significant piece of public policy involving a lot of money. She intends to take a broad view of the legislation and systems surrounding it as well as agreements government has in place with private business.

She says the Canopy Growth deal will be part of that.

Given the concerns expressed about that contract, Mullaley says this will give her an opportunity to look at it as part of the broader review.

Premier, Opposition Welcome Review

Premier Dwight Ball, meanwhile, welcomes the review.

He says they proactively gave the AG the contracts back in November.

Ball says it will clarify what he calls “misinformation” being spread by the Opposition. He says jobs are being created as a result of the contract.

Opposition Leader Ches Crosbie is taking credit for the review.

Crosbie has repeatedly asked government about the identity of private shareholders behind a numbered company linked to Canopy Growth.

He says the question remains who directed public servants to sell Crown land to a numbered company. He’s pleased that the Auditor General has taken him up on his request for a review.

NDP Leader Alison Coffin has concerns about the larger issue of selling marijuana in the province.

She says there are a lot of opinions about the issues surrounding things like the wording of contracts and tax rebates – but there is a bigger issue.

Coffin is concerned that benefits may not come back to the province.

She says it is creating a barrier of entry for local entrepreneurs and any money brought in is being circled outside the province.