Judge 'over the top' on Ruelokke decision: Williams

Premier Danny Williamssays aNewfoundland Supreme Court judge went too far in arulingthat ordered him to appoint Max Ruelokke as head of the board that governs the lucrative offshore oil industry.

In a strongly worded decision released last week, Justice Raymond Halley described as "reprehensible" the Williams government's tactics involving the leadership of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

An arbitration panel selected Ruelokke last fall as both chairman and chief executive officer of the CNLOPB.

Ruling thatRuelokke haseffectively had the job since last fall, Halley also determined that the provincial government's choice St. John's Mayor Andy Wells was not qualified for the job.

The provincial government is reviewing Halley's decision before it comments on whether an appeal will be filed.

But in comments published Wednesday in the St. John's Telegram, Williams sharply criticized Halley's ruling.

Williams, who more recently wanted the chairman and CEO roles split between Ruelokke and Wells, told the Telegram that Halley "went over the top" while writing the decision.

"Maybe on that particular morning this guy got up on the wrong side of the bed," Williams told the Telegram.
"If he did, so what? We're all human beings and we all have opinions."

Williams has consistently argued that he wanted Wells to helm the board or at least share the top responsibilities because he would challenge oil companies over benefits.

Williams has suggested in the past that Ruelokke who quit a job with an offshore company last fall to take the CNLOPB post had ties that were too close to industry.

Ruelokke said he has received a letter from federal Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn stating that the federal government was working on finalizing the appointment.

He said he is concerned that Williams may be considering an appeal.

"If they do, I think it's an unfortunate step," Ruelokke said.

"Nobody has opposed the fact that my selection by the panel was final and binding on both governments. The law was quite clear on that."

The CNLOPB regulates exploration and development of offshore oil and gas projects. To date, three fields Hibernia, Terra Nova and White Rose are pumping oil.