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Former MP disputes lobbying fine

Former Prince George-Peace River MP Jay Hill doesn't agree with a recent ruling by the provincial registrar of lobbyists, but doesn't want to talk about it, either.

Former Prince George-Peace River MP Jay Hill doesn't agree with a recent ruling by the provincial registrar of lobbyists, but doesn't want to talk about it, either.

Hill was found to have violated the Lobbyists Registration Act when he registered to lobby on behalf of Spectra Energy, but never ended up doing any lobbying work. He was originally fined $2,500 for the offence, but it was reduced to $250 on appeal.

"I don't agree with it," Hill said in a brief phone interview. "But it is what it is."

Hill declined to make any further comments on the ruling.

The one and a half year saga began when Hill signed on as a lobbyist for Spectra in 2011 because he felt due to his high-profile nature as a former 17-year member of the House of Commons, it would be better to be open about his role with the energy company even though it didn't involve government lobbying.

Deputy provincial lobbying registrar Mary Carlson initially levied the heftier fine in July because she felt Hill provided false information on the application to become a lobbyist. The head registrar, Elizabeth Denham, agreed with Carlson's ruling but reduced the penalty by 90 per cent because she found that neither Hill or his employer intended to benefit by registering.

"There is no evidence of an economic benefit to Mr. Hill or economic harm to others," Denham wrote in a ruling made public last week. "I am also of the view that Mr. Hill's motives in registering are relevant. I accept that, far from setting out to mislead anyone or conceal his activities, he filed a return in an effort to be open."