Dr. Cleary fired by Gallant government as her supporters rally in Fredericton

Fredericton – About 50 people rallied to reinstate Dr. Eilish Cleary as NB’s Chief Medical Officer of Health today in front of the Department of Health just before CBC broke the news that the Gallant government had fired the doctor.

The colourful crowd chanted, “New Brunswick deserves the very best! Let Dr. Cleary do her work!”

Dr. Cleary told CBC that she was fired without cause and is now considering her options.

Cleary protest 2 — About 50 supporters of Dr. Eilish Cleary at the rally to reinstate the doctor as NB’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Photo by Tracy Glynn.

David Coon, Fredericton South MLA and NB’s Green Party Leader, used most of his time in question and answer period in the Legislature last Friday, Dec. 4, questioning the Gallant government’s moves to dismiss her.

New Brunswick’s NDP Leader Dominic Cardy is also calling for an independent investigation into the firing of Dr. Cleary.

Some of her supporters are linking her unexplained termination as the province’s chief public health advocate to her study of glyphosates, the herbicide sprayed on Crown forest, and her recommendations that a comprehensive health assessment be done on shale gas.

Tracy Glynn is on the board of the NB Media Co-op.