A former Timmins city councillor is breathing a sigh of relief Friday.

Back in September 2017, Rick Dubeau was charged with corruption related offences: 

  • corruption of a municipal official 
  • breach of trust by a public officer

Police officials allege the 54-year-old approached mining firm Goldcorp in August of 2017 and offered to sell property that would benefit him personally in exchange for services as a councillor.

On Friday, over a year later, both of the charges were withdrawn.

Dubeau maintained his innocence throughout the court process.

 “It's a great load lifted off of me and my family. This has been very difficult for my family, and obviously, in my eyes this never should have happened.” said Dubeau.

The charges originally stemmed from allegations he had offered to sell his Schumacher property to Goldcorp at a premium while he was a sitting city councillor.

Both charges were withdrawn by the crown attorney on the basis that a conviction could not be reasonably assured.

Luc Maissoneuve is Dubeau's defence lawyer.

“The Crown, I believe, felt that there were some frailties in their case and there were some issues as to whether or not charges could be proven on a criminal basis.” said Maissoneuve.

“I never would have gone this far with it if I didn't feel I was totally innocent. I wouldn't have ran for re-election if I didn't feel I was totally innocent. So this is vindication and we'll move forward.” said Dubeau.

He was unsuccessful in seeking re-election this past fall.

Throughout the process, he maintained that he met with Goldcorp, not as a councillor, but as a private citizen.

His lawyers stated in court today that that would have been the basis for Dubeau's defence, had the trial proceeded.

A representative from Goldcorp issued a statement saying that the company cooperated with authorities, and now that the matter is closed, will not be offering any further comment on the subject.

Dubeau said he plans to spend time with his family after such a long process and has no plans to pursue legal action in civil court.