New Government of Canada Fired

[CHIMO]

FIRED BY NEW GOVERNMENT


In with the new -- and out with you.


Dr. Andrew Okulitch used to work for the Government of Canada. But at the beginning of the month he was told he had to start referring to his employer as "the New Canadian Government". Dr. Okulitch thought that was silly. That thought -- and its subsequent expression via e-mail -- cost him his job. We reached Dr. Okulitch at his home on Saltspring Island.


http://cbc.ca/asithappens/media/dailyshow/2006-09-18-aih1.ram

http://www.cbc.ca/aih/latestshow.html

Part 1 on AIH about 1:40 into the show.

Where is our Parliament on this?

[Bassic]

1. More to the point,

Where the fuck is the union?

[CHIMO]

2. Well

Listen to the piece and you will see why.

[daleo]

3. Talk about arrogance (the deputy minister)

Okulitch said within an hour he received an e-mail from an assistant deputy minister telling him he was no longer part of the scientist emeritus program and to clear out his office immediately.
...
Okulitch said the assistant deputy minister stood by the decision. He said he was told that no one with an attitude like that should be part of the public service.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/09/18/okulitch-scientist.html

--------------------
This is the kind of nonsense that loses elections. Harper would be well advised to hire this guy back, with an apology from the "new government".

[Bassic]

4. Not only that, but I'm pretty sure the guy could sue for

wrongful dismissal or something. In fact, I hope to god he does, because that would mean loads of bad press for Stevie.

[MrPrax]

5. Speaks volumes about

the mentality of the Tories...'government' isn't new or old...it just is formally, government.


His email:

under the Canwest headline:

Flippant e-mail to 'new government' costs scientist his job

"So, Okulitch responded in an e-mail: "Why do newly elected officials think everything begins with them taking office? They are merely stewards for as long as the public allows. They are there to foster good policies even if (horrors) they were set up by another party."

In case the message hadn't got through to Ottawa, he continued: "While this ridiculous and embarrassing policy is in effect, I shall use Geological Survey of Canada ... as opposed to idiotic buzzwords coined by political hacks."

Okulitch admits that pressing the "reply all" button on his e-mail was probably unwise, especially as a clarification came from the ministry shortly afterwards explaining that the new wording was compulsory only in documents being presented to Lunn or being prepared on his behalf."

....

But, the e-mail that immediately arrived from assistant deputy minister Irwin Itzkovitch gave no quarter.

"Given your strong, though misdirected views, of the role and responsibilities, as well as authority of the government, as elected by the people, and your duty to reflect their decisions, I accept that you are immediately removing yourself from the emeritus program," it said.

Vic Times-Colonist

Doesn't seem very flippant to me...the reply is much more flippant and betrays a rejection of the democratic ideals of the Canadian government.

Stupid hillbillies...

[tuvor]

6. B.C. scientist reinstated by Ottawa after phrase flap (with a catch)

CBC News

Natural Resources Canada on Tuesday reinstated a British Columbia geologist who was relieved of his duties after refusing a directive to refer to the federal government as "Canada's New Government."

(snip)

Deputy minister Cassie Doyle called Okulitch at his Salt Spring Island, B.C., home Tuesday morning, and advised him he would be allowed back, describing the situation as unfortunate.

"I don't have to use the phrase," said Okulitch after receiving the call. "It's not intended for working level people and never was."

(Here's the punchline.)

Okulitch will have to write an e-mail apology for his part in not addressing the difference of opinion more amicably.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/09/19/scientist-flap.html

[daleo]

7. It sounds like the geologist has to undergo some "self-criticism"

Harper and his cronies are sure a tactless bunch.