Natural Resources Canada on Tuesday reinstated a British Columbia geologist who was relieved of his duties after refusing a directive to refer to the federal government as "Canada's New Government."

Andrew Okulitch, a scientist emeritus with the Geological Survey of Canada, received an e-mail on Sept. 5 advising employees to use the phrase in all departmental correspondence, with all three words capitalized.

B.C. scientist Andrew Okulitch refused to use the term 'Canada's New Government' to refer to the federal government.
(CBC)

Okulitch fired off an e-mail, which he described Tuesday as "less than diplomatic," indicating that he would not do so. In his angry missive, he called the policy "ridiculous," and an example of idiotic buzzwords coined by political hacks.

He was subsequently informed that he was no longer part of the scientist emeritus program and told to clear out his office for refusing to follow a ministerial order.

As a scientist emeritus he is not paid, but is given office space and support services. Okulitch had held the title, given to retired scientists, for three years.

Deputy minister Cassie Doyle called Okulitch at his home on Salt Spring Island on Tuesday morning, and advised him he would be allowed back, describing the situation as unfortunate.

"I don't have to use the phrase," said Okulitch after receiving the call. "It's not intended for working-level people and never was."

Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn agreed with that assertion, saying from Ottawa on Tuesday there is no expectation for anyone in the department to use the slogan.

"That e-mail never should have been sent out," said Lunn. "I don’t know who sent it out, so obviously there was a mistake there."

Lunn said he uses it in his own correspondence.

"I'm proud to use it," said Lunn. "We're proud to be the new government of Canada."

Okulitch will have to write an e-mail apology for his part in not addressing the difference of opinion more amicably.

With files from the Canadian Press