Watchdog on civic government fired after ‘intolerable situation’

NEWS — The watchdog for B.C. municipal governments has been fired after two years on the job. Basia Ruta was dismissed from her post today (Monday).

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes said she made the decision on the recommendation of the government’s audit council.

“Under the Auditor General for Local Government Act, I am required, as the minister responsible, to seek the Audit Council’s recommendation regarding the removal of the auditor general for local government,” Oakes said in a statement.

“Pursuant to its mandate under the act, the Audit Council considered my request and subsequently issued a recommendation and resolution to remove the auditor general for local government.

“The auditor general for local government’s obstruction of an intended review of her office has created an intolerable situation that compounds the unstable work environment and lack of performance from that office.

“I believe removing the auditor general is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the office.

“Accordingly, I have therefore recommended to the Lieutenant Governor in Council that the auditor’s appointment be rescinded.”

The NDP has criticized the performance of Ruta’s office during the past two weeks. Ruta’s office produced three reports in two years and spent $5.2 million. Ruta had acknowledged that “performance audits have not been generated as quickly as expected” but questioned the impartiality of the audit council’s appointee for the proposed review.

Ruta will receive no severance pay. Oakes said the audit council will recommend an acting replacement.