Former ethics commissioner Mario Dion took to social media Tuesday and blasted the Trudeau government for its failure to appoint his replacement after nearly half a year.
Dion presided over the malfeasance investigation concerning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s relationship with SNC-Lavalin, which determined he’d violated federal law by pressuring former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould into dropping charges against the firm.
“Dozens of (Order in Council) appointments approved last week. Still nothing for my replacement. Annual reports due by law (at the) end of this week to wait until God knows when. Not a priority obviously,” read Dion’s Twitter post.
In the past week alone, the Liberal government has issued new appointments to a variety of offices including a Federal Pay Equity Commissioner, several judicial appointments by the Ministry of Justice, as well as re-appointments to the Copyright Board of Canada, among others.
Since Dion quit, the office has been vacant for the first time in 15 years.
Dion announced his retirement on Feb. 21 due to “persistent health issues.” This is the first time the former commissioner has addressed the lack of action concerning his former post.
“I have been honoured to serve Parliament and Canadians… and am grateful for the confidence Parliament has placed in me. It is my hope that I have contributed in some measure to transparency and accountability in support of Canadian democracy,” Dion said at the time.
“Those in public office have a sacred duty to always act in the interest of the public they serve.”
Dion’s tenure has resulted in citations against Trudeau and other members of his cabinet, including former finance minister Bill Morneau and Minister of International Trade Mary Ng.
Ng was found guilty of violating federal Conflict of Interest laws by failing to recuse herself from a decision to hire her friend and CBC pundit Amanda Alvaro’s firm Pomp and Circumstance for a lucrative federal contract.
While in charge, Dion changed the rules so that his office is required to conclude ethics investigations within a 12-month period.
