Belliveau again cleared of conflict of interest

By Amy Woolvett

FOR THE SOU’WESTER

Transcontinental Media

Despite the issue being raised several times over the last six months by opposition parties, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sterling Belliveau has again been cleared in conflict of interest allegations.

At the end of December Liberal MLA Leo Glavine Kings West, wrote to Justice Merlin Nunn in connection with Belliveau’s position as fisheries minister and President/Director of Mr. Mussel’s Seafarms Limited. “I am writing to request that you re-examine the actions of the Honourable Sterling Belliveau,” he stated in his letter.

The Liberals were arguing that more than six months following his appointment as minister, Belliveau remained president/director of Mr. Mussel’s Seafarms Limited, and that in June 22 he failed to inform Justice Nunn that he had an outstanding loan with the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board.

But Belliveau did reveal the conflict to Justice Nunn, according to communications director for the Department of Fisheries, Celeste Sulliman. “He went through all of the proper processes to divest his interest in the company,” she explained. “He (Justice Nunn) has addressed this and everything is fine,” said Sulliman confirming that Justice Nunn found Belliveau in compliance with the conflict of interest rules. “He followed due process as quickly as possible,” she said. “There are a lot of processes to follow with filling out paperwork and working through lawyers …he has been nothing but honest and open about this.”