Local Liberals call for further investigation on finding of fraud

Nipissing-Timiskaming Federal Liberals
News Release

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The Nipissing-Timiskaming Federal Liberals executive committee discussed the Federal Court’s ruling that electoral fraud occurred during the May 2011 general federal election in six ridings, including here in Nipissing-Timiskaming, at its regular meeting held on Saturday.


The court challenge, brought by the Council of Canadians, sought to overturn the election where there was evidence that someone tried to affect the results by calling opposition supporters and telling them their polling stations had moved.


Since this matter came to light shortly after the election, the association’s position has not focused on the possibility of a by-election being called, but more importantly on federal authorities, such as Elections Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, conducting a thorough investigation and ultimately prosecuting those responsible. And further that the government put new election rules in place to ensure this does not occur in the future.


In handing down his decision, Federal Court Judge Richard Mosley stated, the evidence points to “a concerted campaign by persons who had access to a database of voter information maintained by a political party”. It is on this finding of facts, we strongly urge the federal authorities to continue focusing their efforts.


At the same time, we applaud the comments made by Canada’s former chief electoral officer, Jean-Pierre Kingsley, that the finding of fraud was “really surprising” and that “What is equally surprising is that he [Judge Mosley] said that fraud occurred through the use, by person or persons unknown, of the Conservative party databank. That’s where the bells go off.” On that note, Marc Mayrand, Kingsley’s successor at Elections Canada, appeared before the House of Commons procedure and House affairs committee this past Tuesday to make the case for urgent reforms to the Elections Act.


Mayrand wants tighter reporting rules on automated phone calls during election campaigns, penalties for impersonating election officials, stronger investigative powers and more protections for voter privacy.


The Harper government has long promised reforms, but suddenly delayed the legislation in mid-April on the day it was to be introduced, citing unspecified concerns.
As for our association, “we are focusing our efforts on moving forward to the 2015 general federal election”, stated Bill Hagborg, Riding President.

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