Following the Canadian Federal Judges' ruling that said former VIA Rail chairman Jean Pelletier should be reinstated to his post after being fired by the government a year earlier, Pelletier may be fired again.

Pelletier was warned by the Canadian Government that despite the court ruling, he shouldn't expect to be reinstated.

The firing, which took place in 2004, followed alleged disparaging remarks about Myriam Bedard, a champion biathlete who testified about a VIA Rail sponsorship scam last year.

Transport Minister Jean Lapierre said Tuesday that Pelletier would be fired again for the very same reason, although this time he has received a fair warning. Lapierre said he sent Pelletier a letter this week warning that he faces suspension or firing. "He's getting due process now," Lapierre said. "He was advised that I don't have confidence in him to chair Via Rail."

Many close to the case believe the firing was entirely politically motivated and carried out at the first opportunity the government was presented with to let Pelletier go.