OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper has formally nominated New Brunswick native Michael Ferguson as Canada's new auditor general.

Ferguson is expected to replace Sheila Fraser, who retired earlier this year.

Fraser became synonymous with controversy after her scathing audits of the long-gun registry and the sponsorship program under the previous Liberal government.

Ferguson is currently New Brunswick's deputy finance minister and was the province's auditor from 2005 until last year.

During his last year as auditor, Ferguson raised questions about the province's debt and perceived lack of a plan to rein in spending.

Because the auditor general is an officer of Parliament, Ferguson's appointment must be formally approved by the Senate and House of Commons.