He had been appointed to head the province's new shale gas institute earlier this year.
Provincial Energy Minister Craig Leonard, while announcing the resignation of LaPierre had been accepted, praised the work of the Institute under LaPierre’s leadership.
Controversy has erupted over LaPierre's supposed academic qualifications. LaPierre has been a University of Moncton professor for 30 years but now has admitted to misrepresenting his academic credentials.
He also resigned as chair of the Marathon Panel, a federal environmental review board, citing medical reasons.
