MLA in conflict of interest, says union rep

A Liberal MLA and former minister of fisheries is now drawing a salary from a foundation he helped put in place when he was a member of cabinet.

In 2009, Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet gave the Atlantic Lobster Sustainability Foundation $200,000 in government money. The organization funds research on lobster stocks and habits.

In March, the foundation hired Doucet to work part time for the group as its executive director. One member of the organization isn't happy about it.

Christian Brun of the Maritime Fishermens' Union is uncomfortable with the hiring.

He said it's hard to see the logic of an MLA representing the group when it deals with government.

Doucet said he sees no problem with it.

"I met with the conflict of interest commissioner and had a very good discussion as to what we're doing and what the foundation is all about. And he came back with a ruling on it that there's not an issue here whatsoever."

Conflict commissioner Patrick Ryan wasn't available for comment.

Current Conservative Fisheries Minister Mike Olscamp wouldn't comment, but said he's looking into the matter.