B.C.’s first Auditor General for Local Government has been fired for refusing to participate in a review of her office, but Basia Ruta denies she was obstructing the process.
Community Development Minister Coralee Oakes announced Monday that Ruta would be immediately removed from her auditor’s role.
"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,” said a statement from Oakes.
Oakes said the move was necessary to the “proper functioning of the office.”
But Ruta fired back after the government announcement, saying she never obstructed the process. Instead, Ruta maintains she asked for a review that “preserved the independence of the office.”
“I understand the minister has told the media that I obstructed a review of the office from taking place. Insisting on compliance with the Act is not obstruction,” she said through her lawyers.
Ruta says the review proposed by her superiors would have breached the statute she was sworn to uphold, adding that she is seeking a judicial review of the decision.
“The manner of removing me from office occurred without adherence to basic principles of procedural fairness,” she said.
The top municipal auditor had previously complained about a perception of bias after an audit was launched of her office weeks after the municipal government watchdog came under fire for allegations of an inefficient and unhappy workplace.
A chartered accountant with 30 years’ experience, Ruta previously served as the Chief Financial Officer at Environment Canada.
The Office of the Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG) was created in 2012 in a bid to assist local governments in delivering their services more efficiently, effectively and economically, according to its website.
The office performs performance audits of local governments and makes non-binding recommendations.
