Canada-Meat plant for sale.

The provincial government Tuesday moved to unload a meat processing facility it came to own.

Thomson Meats Ltd. is based in Melfort, Sask., a community of 5,200 about 100 kilometres southeast of Prince Albert.

Over the last 10 years, the provincial government went from being a passive investor in the facility, which had been in private hands, to the sole shareholder.

But that will end if a buyer is found.

"We believe that government has no role in owning a meat processing plant," Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said in a news release announcing the government’s intention. "Our role is to create an environment for business to succeed."

The news release said the plant, which produces a variety of packaged meats, will continue to operate while a potential buyer is sought. It said the government wants to sell the facility to someone who would keep the plant open.

The government will accept written proposals until noon, June 1.