Dismissed auditor general may return

After a decision to dismiss auditor general John Doyle went sour, Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster has been told by B.C. Premier Christy Clark to take it back.

Not only that, but Clark has decided to change the duration of the auditor general's term. At a media conference, Clark said the auditor general's act would be amended to extend the term from 6 to 8 years, with the idea that the extra two years would allow the auditor general to do his or her job better. After the eight year term, the auditor general would not be eligible for reappointment.

"By doing this, we give the auditor general appropriate time to pursue matters that he or she believes needs to be looked into appropriately and effectively without worrying if they will be rehired," Clark said at the conference.

John Doyle has held the position of auditor general since 2007.   

"It's my hope and I have communicated this to the B.C. Liberal members on the committee to offer to him what would be the remaining two years of his term," Clark told reporters Wednesday.

Foster, who has received waves of criticism since Doyle's dismissal, says he supports the premier's modifications to the act.

"I think the idea of changing the terms of the office and having a one term appointment is probably a great way to go… (it) eliminates all these problems," Foster told reporters.

As for Doyle's reappointment, Foster said the committee—made up of three Liberal and two NDP MLAs—was still discussing the matter.

—Charlotte Helston
chelston@infotelnews.ca
(250)-309-5230