Ottawa will replace Lt.-Gov. Lise Thibault

Quebec Lt.-Gov. Lise Thibault, recently criticized for her expense account, will be replaced after the next provincial election.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office confirmed Thursday it will name Thibault's replacement after the impending Quebec election.

Thibault's spending habits have come under scrutiny because of questionable expenses, including a $59,000 garden party and $30,000 Christmas event.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest has said the provincial auditor general would examine Thibault's spending in office, and urged Ottawa to do the same.

Harper's office said its decision to replace Thibault has nothing to do with her spending habits.

An report published in February in Le Journal de Montral said federal officials have raised several questions about Thibault's expenses between 2000 and 2004.

Thibault has been lieutenant-governor since 1996. Her term was supposed to end in 2006, but was extended by Harper's office.