TORONTO - The governing Liberals appear to be signalling a complete retreat from their concerns about re-appointing Andre Marin as Ontario's ombudsman.
The all-party committee tasked with selecting the next ombudsman is recalling Marin for an interview on Tuesday, a source has told The Canadian Press.
But contrary to previous reports, no other candidates are scheduled to be interviewed, the source said Monday.
The Liberals, who apparently vetoed Marin's re-appointment on the first round, have also replaced their representative to the committee. David Zimmer is now representing the party, instead of Wayne Arthurs, the source said.
Government house leader Monique Smith wasn't immediately available to comment.
It's the latest twist in the saga surrounding Marin, who seemed to be on his way out as ombudsman when unnamed Liberals complained to the press about his expenses, new office space, and employee relations.
Opposition parties accused the Liberals of mounting a smear campaign to discredit the outspoken Marin, who has long been a thorn in the government's side. They pointed to the Liberal complaints as proof of a backroom plot to oust the embattled ombudsman.
George Smitherman was also known for having a high turnover of staff when he was health minister, yet the Liberals never questioned whether he should keep his job, said Progressive Conservative house leader John Yakabuski.
"I recall how many people used to leave George Smitherman's office when he was the minister," he said. "Did that mean it was about him being an unfair employer? My understanding is he demanded a lot from his people.
"Andre Marin is clearly the best person for this job."
Premier Dalton McGuinty has tried to douse the flames by calling the attacks "unhelpful" and singing Marin's praises as the government's watchdog.
Marin has defended his expenses as being within the rules and rebuffed accusations that the work environment in his office has become toxic under his watch.
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has received two complaints against Marin's office since 2008, including one alleging discrimination on the basis of "race, place of origin and ethnic origin" by three managers in the ombudsman's office. The office denies the allegations.
Former employees have complained that Marin and his trusted managers are petty tyrants who enforced strict rules about office etiquette.
Workers were allegedly discouraged from walking the hallways in front of Marin's office or placing personal effects -- such as family photos -- on their desks.
Marin has dismissed the allegations, but acknowledged that he's a taskmaster who expects a lot from his employees.
Marin, environmental commissioner Gord Miller and integrity commissioner Lynn Morrison were all asked to compete for their jobs when the government decided not to renew their contracts earlier this year.
But Marin was the only one who hasn't been recommended for re-appointment, sparking accusations that the Liberals are trying to silence one of their most outspoken critics.
He openly feuded with former health minister David Caplan over the cancer drug Avastin after Marin declared that cutting off public funding after 16 treatments "verges on cruelty."
Marin also took aim at Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. in a damning 2007 report on insider wins, in which he accused unscrupulous retailers of collecting tens of millions of dollars in "dishonest" winnings and the agency of turning a blind eye to the problem.
His spokeswoman said Marin isn't available for comment, as he is currently immersed in preparing his annual report that's scheduled for release June 15.
