Chrystia Freeland Violated Elections Act Twice in 2024, Commissioner Reports
Chrystia Freeland, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has been reported for violating the Elections Act. The Commissioner of Canada Elections, Caroline Simard, confirmed that Freeland unknowingly breached the act during two press conferences related to budget discussions in June 2024.
Details of the Violations
The violations occurred as Freeland responded to questions about a by-election in Toronto-St. Paul’s. She made supportive remarks about Leslie Church, her former chief of staff, who was running as a Liberal candidate. This involvement is considered inappropriate since, as a government representative, Freeland should not use public resources for partisan activities.
Under the Elections Act, this conduct resulted in part of the expenses from these press conferences being classified as non-monetary contributions. The total commercial value of these events was reported at $910.58, a sum that Freeland’s riding association reimbursed to the government.
Consequences and Penalties
Freeland faced no personal fines for these violations. Instead, the Election Commissioner’s office issued notices detailing several contraventions involving six other individuals, leading to 16 administrative monetary penalties. Andrew Goodridge, a former Liberal financial agent, received eight of these penalties, amounting to $2,300.
- Freeland’s involvement: Supportive comments for a candidate in a by-election.
- Total amount reimbursed: $910.58 by Freeland’s riding association.
- Number of penalties issued: 16.
- Total fines for Andrew Goodridge: $2,300, primarily for not disposing of surplus campaign funds appropriately.
Context of Administrative Errors
The Commissioner’s office identified that Goodridge failed to comply with the law regarding the disposal of surplus electoral funds from the 2019 and 2021 general elections. Specific discrepancies included:
- Falsified wage agreements for campaign volunteers.
- Ineligible campaign expenses totaling over $16,000.
Goodridge admitted the violations were primarily administrative errors and clarified that necessary adjustments would be made moving forward.
Public Response and Future Implications
Freeland did not comment on the situation as she was attending an international conference in Munich at the time of inquiries. This incident raises questions about compliance with electoral regulations among government officials and the responsibilities that come with public service roles.
As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these findings will impact the individuals involved and the Liberal Party’s standing.
