St. John's Mayor Andy Wells says he disagrees with a decision by the Supreme Court of Newfoundland that determined he was unqualified to run the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

The court ruled Monday that Max Ruelokke has been the de facto chair of the board since a panel chose him in late 2005.

St. John's Mayor Andy Wells believes he is qualified to run the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.
(CBC)

The Newfoundland and Labrador government had refused to confirm the panel's decision and instead wanted to split the position between two men — Ruelokke and Wells.

Premier Danny Williams previously said he wanted Wells to head the board because it ultimately could force the Hebron partners to develop the oilfield and Williams felt that Wells could stand up to the oil companies, while Ruelokke was too close to the industry.

However, Ruelokke went to court in June to obtain an order that would force the provincial minister of natural resources to name him as the board's chair and chief executive officer.

The Supreme Court of Newfoundland ruled Monday that Max Ruelokke has been the de facto chair of the CNLOBP since 2005.
(CBC)

In his ruling Monday, Justice Raymond Halley said that the province's campaign to promote Wells was "doomed to failure" because Wells "had neither the professional background nor the industry experience to be qualified to act as the chair and CEO of the board."

Taking exception

Wells said the ruling does not surprise him, but he takes exception to Halley's comments.

"I'll say that Mr. Halley, with respect to that issue, I don't think quite knows what he's talking about," said Wells.

"All I will say is that I would put my resume up against Max Ruelokke's, with the respect to this position, any day of the week."

Ruelokke, meanwhile, is extending an olive branch to the government of Newfoundland and Labrador after winning his court case against the province.

"We've got a door open in front of us with the judge's ruling," said Ruelokke.

'Get on with the work'

"I'd like the province and myself to walk through that door, close it firmly behind us and get on with the work that needs to be done."

Ruelokke said he does not know when he can finally start the job, but he said when he does, the court case will not hamper his work.

"The job is there, it needs to be done," said Ruelokke.

"There's been nobody in that role on a full-time basis since May of 2004. It's a very important industry. Let's get on with managing it the way it should be managed."

Williams has not yet commented on the decision, but he has said in the past that he is willing to accept Halley's decision, whatever it might be.