Deny all she wants.The Green party is accusing the Conservative government of trying to muzzle the federal environment commissioner, but officials flatly deny the charge.
Auditor General Sheila Fraser's office acknowledged Thursday that it is reviewing whether Environment Commissioner Johanne Gelinas will continue to issue independent reports. But a spokeswoman denied any political motivation.
"We undertook this review at our own initiative," said Susan Wheeler. "To the best of our knowledge, government isn't even aware we were doing this. It isn't coming from government at all."
Earlier Thursday, Green party Leader Elizabeth May said the Conservatives were trying to muzzle Gelinas, who delivered a stinging report in late September that said Ottawa needs to take climate change more seriously.
May claimed Gelinas had been told she can no longer file separate, independent reports and will be required to submit her reviews as part of the larger auditor general reports.
Wheeler said officials within the auditor general's office are looking at how they deliver all of their reports. But she denied that lumping Gelinas' report in with other reviews would diminish its impact.
Of course the conservatives are behind it. I bet Stevie or Porna gave the order themselves. They are a very controlling vengeful bunch this "New Government".
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