Deputy premier’s brother given time to comply before charge, trial told

FREDERICTON – The head of enforcement at New Brunswick’s Aquaculture Department says the deputy premier’s brother was given time to follow regulations after previous investigations before he was charged with an aquaculture infraction.

Wilbert Sabine was testifying Monday at the trial of Peter Andrews, the executive director of corporate services for the department.

Andrews has pleaded not guilty to obstruction of justice after he was accused of interfering in an aquaculture investigation in 2011 involving Donat Robichaud, the brother of deputy premier Paul Robichaud.

Sabine says there were previous investigations involving Donat Robichaud before Andrews joined the department, and instead of charges, Robichaud was granted time to comply with regulations.

He says the department has always tried to work with producers who might be violating regulations and charges are a last resort.

In February 2012, the Opposition Liberals received an anonymous letter alleging that Paul Robichaud interfered with the departmental investigation involving Donat, an allegation the deputy premier denied.

Donat Robichaud later pleaded guilty to practising aquaculture outside the boundary of his lease and paid a fine.