David Dingwall (Photo: Canadian Press)

OTTAWA, Sept. 28 (Xinhuanet) -- David Dingwall, president of the Royal Canadian Mint, resigned Wednesday amid questions about his expenses and lobbying efforts.

    Dingwall, who has been on the post since 2003, said in a statement that he was stepping down so that the controversy would not detract from the work of the Mint, which makes Canada's coins and bank notes.

    Prime Minister Paul Martin said he had accepted Dingwall's resignation during the question period of the House of Commons about an hour after Dingwall announcement of resignation.

    Dingwall has been under fire over reports that he and top aidesracked up expenses of more than 740,000 Canadian dollars (620,000 US dollars) last year.

    He has also been criticized for failing to register as a lobbyist for Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a Toronto pharmaceuticalcompany.

    Local reports have said the company agreed to pay Dingwall up to 350,000 Canadian dollars (about 300,000 US dollars) for his help in securing grants under a Technology Partnerships Canada program - even though program rules forbid hiring lobbyists.

    Dingwall served as a cabinet minister under former prime minister Jean Chrtien who named him President of the Mint in 2003. Enditem