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The provincial government is defending its decision to support a controversial Saskatoon-based company’s plan to build a $45-million wholesale mall at the Global Transportation Hub despite sharp criticism of its due diligence process.

Brightenview Development International Inc. has failed to complete two similar projects, but Premier Brad Wall told reporters Monday that it is “dealing with” its “past issues” and meeting its obligation to buy 30 acres from the government-backed GTH.

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“It’s true of any project when it’s announced,” Wall said. “If I’m invited to attend because someone’s investing here, their cheque has cleared, they bought land and they’re going to create jobs in the province and they invite us to go, of course we’re going to go.”

Brightenview has paid more than $3 million toward its $7.6 million land purchase agreement with the GTH, according to a government spokesman. Wall said it is up to the company to build its Global Trade and Exhibition Centre once the land has been acquired.