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Elections watchdog says Bill Morneau broke Elections Act ahead of 2019 campaign
Bill Morneau broke elections law ahead of the 2019 campaign according to to the Commissioner of Canada Elections.
The former finance minister promoted two prospective Liberal candidates who were attending separate events he headlined while in charge of the finance portfolio.
Ministers aren’t allowed to use taxpayer funds for partisan gain.
There are also provisions in election law that prevent anyone but individuals from donating to campaigns.
That’s the provision the commissioner says Morneau violated because government resources were used to the benefit of the Liberal party.
The commissioner says there is no indication Morneau had intended to use public resources for partisan purposes or that he was involved personally in planning the events in question.
Morneau’s riding association has now paid back the costs of the two events, and Morneau himself has been fined $300.
The Commissioner of Canada Elections is the independent officer responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of the Canada Elections Act and the federal Referendum Act.
