The fate of John Doyle's future as auditor general is up in the air again, following an announcement from Premier Christy Clark to introduce legislation extending the auditor general's term by two years.
At a Wednesday media conference, Clark recommended that an independent committee of five MLAs reconsider its choice not to keep Doyle on as auditor general for another six-year-term, a decision that has elicited criticism from political pundits.
Burnaby MLA Kathy Corrigan, one of two New Democrats on the committee, said no subsequent decision has yet been made regarding the premier's announcement.
"We're in meetings about it. We're going to be meeting on Friday, and no decision has been made," Corrigan said. "The premier this morning came up with a suggestion out of nowhere and said that she would bring in legislation that would make the term for eight years - as opposed to what we have now, which is six years - and a reappointment for six years."
The committee members are New Democrat Bruce Ralston, and Liberals Eric Foster, Blair Lekstrom and John Les. The motion to recommend the legislature to reappoint an auditor general has to be unanimous.
"I can't talk about who voted how, but this committee of five did not reappoint him. That was in December when that decision was made. The question is whether the committee reconsiders the vote," Corrigan said, adding she couldn't comment further, as the committee's work was in-camera.
"What I can say is that we, as a caucus, have supported John Doyle. We think he's done an excellent job," Corrigan said.
Extending the auditor general's term would bring B.C. more in line with other provinces, most of which have 10-year appointments for their auditor generals.
Corrigan said the committee members were given an hour's notice of Clark's plan before their meeting started.
"Did she come up with this over coffee this morning? I have no idea. It's not something that has been thought out," Corrigan said.
Clark would have to bring the legislation in during the spring session. Corrigan said the committee members have the option of reconsidering their vote, which means they could possible recommend that Doyle stay.
"I think the auditor general has done a really good job," Corrigan said. "I think the people of B.C. would be really well served if he was to continue serving as the auditor general."
The premier's office did not immediately return calls from the NOW.
-With files from The Vancouver Sun
