New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs. (Photo: Submitted/Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick)
The issue of the proposed takeover of Cannabis NB was before the legislature Friday with the Liberals wanting to know who might be interested in being the single operator of the 20 stores.
Premier Blaine Higgs took exception and tried instead to find out who currently leases the buildings which house 20 stores across the province.
“It’s one numbered company after another numbered company after another numbered company. Now, why do you think that would be, Mr. Speaker?,” stated Higgs. “It is because the hidden gems across the hall here just wanted to distribute to their friends these long-term leases with rates that had no comparison to the market.”
Higgs said he would ensure the process is open and transparent but also done properly by not providing companies interested in advance.
“That is not how you go out for an RFP, that is not how you get the best opportunity for a bid for the best value, but value we will get, Mr. Speaker,” he said. “It is something that escapes the members opposite. They have proven it time and time again because it doesn’t matter, because all the philosophy they use it to spend money.”
