An Alberta medical health officer fired for speaking out publicly in favour of the Kyoto Protocol has been offered his job back.

The Palliser Health Authority voted during an emergency meeting Wednesday night to give Dr. David Swann an offer of reinstatement.

• FROM OCT 4, 2002: Kyoto views get medical officer fired

David Swann shakes hands with board member

Swann didn't respond immediately, saying he wanted time to make his decision. But both sides issued a joint news release.

"There is complete agreement the medical officer of health has the right and responsibility to an independent voice on issues related to public health," said the release.

"Dr. Swann says that the discussions have satisfied the conditions under which he would consider re-employment."

Swann was fired last week after commenting publicly on what he believes are the negative health effects of burning fossil fuels.

The chair of the board that fired Swann said the medical officer's views conflicted with the board's position. Len Metzel said Kyoto will hurt Alberta's economy.

But Wednesday night he said the board may have been hasty in its firing of Swann.