MLA apologizes for bar 'confrontation'

A New Brunswick Liberal MLA has apologized for what he calls a "confrontation" that took place at a Fredericton bar.

Moncton East MLA Chris Collins presented a written statement on Thursday that said an incident he was involved in December was unacceptable and out of character.

Fredericton police have been investigating an allegation filed by another man regarding an assault on Dec. 19 at the Back Nine bar.

"There was a confrontation that occurred that involved me and another individual," says Collins' statement. "I deeply regret allowing myself to become involved in such an incident. It was completely out of character for me."

In the short statement Collins goes on to say it wouldn't be appropriate to discuss what led to the confrontation at the bar. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

"I can only speak for myself in saying what happened was unacceptable," Collins writes. "My family and friends understand this is not in my nature. I apologize to them, colleagues and coworkers for any strain this may have caused them."

Collins' office has said he won't be commenting further on the incident.

Collins is a former Moncton city councillor. He was elected to the provincial riding of Moncton East in a March 2007 byelection after former premier Bernard Lord resigned from politics.

Collins' 12-year-old son, Sean, died of cancer in July 2007.