Inquiry determines councillor was in conflict

An inquiry launched by the town under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act has determined one of its councillors was in conflict at a 2005 meeting.

Byron Boudreau was ruled in conflict of interest because of his participation in an in-camera meeting on May 19, 2005 where councillors discussed the possibility of the town purchasing the former liquor store on Main Street and possible uses for the location. During the meeting Boudreau made it known that he was planning to put in a personal bid on the location, however he did not leave the meeting for several minutes after that disclosure.

At the hearing, Boudreau contended the meeting was an informal one with little direction, thus making it difficult to determine if he should be there.

However in his ruling, Donald Harding said Boudreau was in conflict and aware of that fact in so far as he admitted the problem.

Council tabled the report at its meeting last week and the matter is considered closed unless a citizen or councillor wishes to pursue it in court