SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The sister of Energy Minister Craig Leonard has resigned from her role with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

CAPP spokesperson Paul Barnes confirmed Angela Leonard’s resignation from her advisor role, effective last Friday.

Barnes says Leonard felt the perception of a conflict of interest made it impossible for her to continue to do her job.

Leonard is a former government adviser on shale gas development in New Brunswick.

The Alward government has been criticized for having Craig Leonard in the energy portfolio while his sister was a lobbyist for the oil and gas industry.