Conflict commissioner warned Doucet of 'dangers'

New Brunswick's conflict of interest commissioner warned a Liberal MLA in December that he could find himself in conflict if he doesn't abstain from votes involving a foundation that hired him as a director.

Liberal MLA Rick Doucet informed Justice Patrick Ryan, the province's conflict of interest commissioner, in December 2010 he was considering a job as the executive directorof the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Foundation.

The job offer came roughly three months after he lost his job as fisheries minister when the Shawn Graham government was defeated by Premier David Alward's Progressive Conservatives.

As fisheries minister, Doucet gave $200,000 of taxpayer money in 2009 to the foundation that funds research on lobster stocks and habitats.

Doucet said earlier this week that Ryan "came back with a ruling on it that there's not an issue here whatsoever."

The commissioner's ruling, which was issued on Dec. 10, did sayRyan saw no "legislative impediment" to the Liberal MLA accepting the paid position with the foundation.

But Ryan said "dangers are always present" if Doucet's job description changed in the future.

The commissioner also advised Doucet that he will have to be careful when it comes to the foundation's dealings with the provincial government.

"In the event that the foundation seeks financial or other assistance from the province of New Brunswick, you will have to declare your interest at all levels and abstain from participating in any discussions or votes on the issues relating to the foundation," Ryan's ruling said.

"If you do not, you may well be in a conflict of interest."

After receiving Ryan's ruling, Doucet did take the job as the foundation's executive director.

While Doucet said he doesn't see a problem with his role as an MLA and the executive director of the foundation, not everyone agrees.

Christian Brun of the Maritime Fishermens' Union said in an interview that he is uncomfortable with the hiring. He said this week that it's hard to see the logic of an MLA representing the group when it deals with government.

Progressive Conservative Fisheries Minister Mike Olscamp wouldn't comment on Thursday about Doucet's role with the foundation, but said he's looking into the matter.

Doucet was first elected in 2003 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2010.He represents the southwestern riding of Charlotte-The Isles.