The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has abruptly cancelled the contract of a former BC Liberal cabinet minister who had been appointed as an advisor to the Kamloops mayor and city council.

Peter Fassbender says he was informed of government’s decision to cancel his contract on December 22nd.

“Well I got a telephone call from the Ministry and they indicated that the government has decided to take a different direction and for that reason they cancelled my contract,” Fassbender confirmed to Radio NL.

He says he hasn’t been told what this “new direction” is.

“I have no idea,” said Fassbender.  “As you know, I serve at the pleasure of the government. If they cancel my contract, I have to accept that.”

In a brief statement to Radio NL, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has offered little clarity about why Fassbender was relieved of his duties.

“The Province has decided to take a different direction for the municipal advisor for Kamloops city council,” says a statement from the Ministry.  “The focus continues to be on helping the Kamloops City Council resolve its challenges so the people of Kamloops can be best served by their elected officials.”

The statement goes on to say that steps are being taken to move forward.

“We will work quickly with the City to determine the best fit for a new advisor,” said the statement.  “We thank Mr. Fassbender for the work he has done.”

Fassbender was appointed by the province this month after City Council voted in September to ask for help in dealing with the “dysfunction and discord” that has plagued Mayor and Council since the election last fall.

Asked about the move, councillor Margot Middleton, who initiated the original call for council to ask for outside help, says council was just as surprised as Fassbender was to be relieved of his duties.

“You know as much as we do. We were advised that they [Ministry of Municipal Affairs] were deciding to change direction,” said Middleton. “That came as a big surprise to all of us.”