Quebec Agriculture Minister André Lamontagne has sparked controversy for the second time this month when he gave a speech Saturday to Union Paysanne, a farmers' association, comparing some Environment Ministry officials to "ayatollahs." Lamontagne told reporters Jan. 31 that it was his decision to fire Louis Robert, a veteran agronomist in his ministry. In fact, a minister does not hire or fire officials. "To see this minister acting as an industry lobbyist toward the environment minister — it's not really appropriate," said Mayrand. Premier François Legault said Monday he stands by his minister, and he said it's a known problem that there are "bureaucratic delays" within the Environment Ministry.

Source: CBC News February 11, 2019 18:53 UTC