The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eilish Cleary says that she has been fired from her position without cause, effective immediately.
In a statement Cleary says that the provincial government let her know that they have come to the conclusion that her particular skill set does not meet the needs of her employer. Cleary stating that she is saddened by the decision and concerned by how it has unfolded, saying she is considering next steps.
Provincial NDP Leader Dominic Cardy is calling for an immediate indepedent investigation into her firing.
Cardy, in a statement, says, “The Liberals are silencing New Brunswick’s most prominent government scientist. We cannot expect civil servants to do their job when even prominent public officials like Dr. Cleary are muzzled.”
Cardy goes on to say, “I have been told by a senior source that Dr. Cleary is being fired to make sure she is not around to criticize the government’s anticipated embrace of the shale gas industry, in the spring of 2016.”
In 2012 Dr. Cleary released a report called “Chief Medical Officer of Health’s Recommendations Concerning Shale Gas Development In New Brunswick”. In the report, Cleary warns the province’s infrastructure and legislation aren’t strong enough to ensure public health is protected should the shale gas industry be expanded and she makes 30 recommendations.
Cleary was appointed Chief Medical Officer of Health for New Brunswick in 2008.
