Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Environment officer to be replaced: report

Updated Tue. Jan. 30 2007 CTV

Environment Commissioner Johanne Gelinas has lost her job after reportedly stepping over the line in her calls for action on climate change. The Globe and Mail reports that Auditor-General Sheila Fraser will be announcing Gelinas' departure at 3 p.m. ET. Gelinas works as part of the Office of the Auditor-General, an independent office, and examines the government's effectiveness in its environmental programs. Fraser was reportedly upset with Gelinas for entering into policy matters and advocacy, and stepping away from her role as auditor.

Gelinas' report last September caused a major stir as it slammed the previous government's record on the environment and outlined measures the new government should take to address climate change. Fraser also informed MPs on the environment committee that she would like a review of the role of the environment commissioner, particularly the extent to which he or she should be involved in "advocacy" regarding government policy. Gelinas will be replaced by Ron Thompson, an assistant auditor-general in Fraser's office, The Globe reports.

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