According to a new Conference Board of Canada report, Canada is an "environmental laggard" ranking 15 out of 17 developed nations on environmental performance. The Conference Board report showed Canada: produces more garbage per person than any other nation, uses roughly twice as much water per person as the other nations, places dead last on energy intensity, and ranks 15th on per capita greenhouse gas emissions.

Vaughan tabled a number of audits and studies to Canada's Parliament over the past five years, on topics such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, the cumulative impacts of oil sands development, inspections of oil and gas pipelines, freshwater management and sustainable development strategies of the federal government.

"I'm not political. I'm colour-blind when it comes to who I'm talking to with different Parliamentarians. I think it is important that our work is presented in a factual way," said Vaughan.

Vaughan has accepted a new position as president and CEO at a Manitoba-based think tank, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

"The institute is thrilled to welcome Scott Vaughan as its new leader. He brings a world of experience and a unique Canadian perspective to the role," said interim IISD Chairman Dan Gagnier.